Scott “Razor” Robertson has been removed as head coach of the All Blacks, ending his time with the national team earlier than expected.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) confirmed on Thursday that Robertson will leave the role after an internal review. NZR said the search for a new coach will begin straight away.

Robertson started as head coach of the All Blacks in 2024, after taking over following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Robertson also shared a statement on the All Blacks’ official Facebook page.

Robertson, who was once seen as the future of All Blacks coaching after leading the Crusaders to multiple Super Rugby titles, said it had been an honour to coach the team.

“I am incredibly proud of what this team has achieved and of the progress we have made. We have brought through a talented group of young players, strengthened the depth across the squad, and set solid foundations for the years ahead,” he said.

“Following the end of year review, I have taken time to reflect on some of the feedback.

“My priority has always been the success of the All Blacks. After discussions with New Zealand Rugby, I believe it is in the best interests of the team for me to step aside.

“I have therefore reached an agreement with New Zealand Rugby to end my contract early so a new coaching group has the time it needs to prepare and take the team into the next World Cup.”

Robertson said he was “gutted by this outcome”.

NZR chair David Kirk said the decision came after an extensive review of the team’s performance on and off the field.

“Both NZR and Scott agree it is in the best interests of the team that he depart his role,” Kirk  told the RNZ

“The mid-point in the Rugby World Cup cycle is the right time to look at the All Blacks’ progress over the first two seasons.”

Kirk thanked Robertson for his commitment, saying he had continued to put the All Blacks first.

“There had been mounting speculation after an internal report into the 2025 All Black games found dissatisfaction among senior players,” RNZ reported.

The review was carried out by Kirk, NZR board member and former All Black hooker Keven Mealamu, and former NZR high performance manager Don Tricker.

Robertson’s time as coach was marked by turbulence. Just eight months into his role, assistant coach Leon MacDonald resigned suddenly ahead of the tour to South Africa, citing differences in attacking style and coaching direction. The All Blacks then suffered back-to-back losses in South Africa.

Under Robertson, the team also recorded its heaviest-ever defeat, losing 43–10 to the Springboks in Wellington, and were beaten in Argentina for the first time.

Despite this, the All Blacks maintained their unbeaten record at Eden Park with a hard-fought win over South Africa and extended New Zealand’s long-running dominance of the Bledisloe Cup. Overall, Robertson leaves with a 74 percent win rate, winning 20 of 27 test matches.

Attention now turns to who will take over the role. Current Highlanders coach and former Japan coach Jamie Joseph is reported to be a leading candidate, having coached the All Blacks XV on their European tour last November. Springboks assistant coach Tony Brown and former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie have also been linked to the position.