A New Zealand media report claims All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson had deferred selection queries to his assistants.
According to The New Zealand Herald, several All Blacks players who approached Robertson for explanations over non-selection were told those discussions would need to take place with assistant coach Scott Hansen or forwards coach Jason Ryan instead.
The report emerges amid an ongoing NZ Rugby review into the All Blacks’ 2025 campaign, which saw the side lose three of their 13 Tests and fail to secure the Castle Rugby Championship title. The findings of that review are expected to be released at the end of January.
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The Herald has previously reported on widespread internal frustrations within the All Blacks set-up, particularly around issues of communication, trust, strategy and selection, with players allegedly providing “stinging feedback” on the current regime.
Questions over Robertson’s operational role were also raised earlier this month after he told the Herald that Hansen “effectively operates in the role most would recognise as the head coach”.
Those comments were later clarified, with the newspaper noting that Robertson maintains overall authority.
“He has clarified with the Herald that he maintains a high degree of operational oversight, vetoes or amends tactical plans presented by assistant coach Scott Hansen and that he makes the final call in selection and operates in the same way as most other head coaches in the international arena,” journalist Gregor Paul wrote.
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However, the report adds that players seeking direct feedback on selection were still referred to assistants, further fuelling debate around how responsibility is distributed within the coaching group.
Robertson took over from Ian Foster following the 2023 World Cup amid significant optimism, but results since then have done little to quiet scrutiny.
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