Razor axed as All Blacks coach after player unrest and critical review

Scott Robinson (Razor) has been removed as All Blacks head coach with two years remaining on his contract.

The announcement by New Zealand Rugby (NZR) on Thursday follows a damaging internal review and growing concern over team culture and results ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

NZR confirmed Razor’s departure, saying both parties agreed it was in the best interests of the team for him to step aside at the midpoint of the World Cup cycle.

The decision follows a 2025 end-of-year review that included feedback from senior players with frustration reportedly centred on the team environment.

All Blacks Player of the Year Ardie Savea is understood to be among those who raised strong feedback concerns directly to New Zealand Rugby chairman David Kirk after last year’s inconsistent Grand Slam tour.

Razor was appointed through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup but became the third member of the original coaching staff to leave early.

All Black Ardie Savea of New Zealand playing against the Wallabies. Photo/Raghavan Venugopal/Photosport

Former assistant coach Leon MacDonald exited after eight months in the role. Backs coach Jason Holland departed at the end of the 2025 season, fuelling questions about stability inside the All Blacks set-up.

Despite a winning record of 20 victories from 27 Tests, the All Blacks struggled to build consistency under Robertson, with performances often falling short of expectations

In a statement, NZR says the timing of the decision was deliberate.

All Blacks winning the Gallagher Cup against Ireland. Photo/David Banks/Photosport

“We’ve taken an extensive look at the team’s progress on and off the field and have subsequently had discussions with Scott on the way forward. Both NZR and Scott agree it is the best interests of the team that he depart his role as Head Coach.”

Kirk thanked Robertson for his service, saying he had always put the team first.

“On behalf of New Zealand Rugby I would like to thank Scott for his contribution to the All Blacks. As always, he has continued to put the All Blacks first and we respect that he has done the hard but right thing in agreeing to depart.

“His passion for the team as both a player and coach is evident and his commitment to and involvement in rugby in New Zealand at every level over a long period is significant. We wish him well for the future.”

Robertson says he was proud of what the squad had achieved and accepted the outcome of the review.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph. Photo/Paul Seiser/Photosport

“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.

“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.”

Attention now turns to who will replace him. Highlanders coach and former All Black Jamie Joseph is widely tipped as the frontrunner, despite the Highlanders finishing second-to-last in the 2025 Super Rugby season.

Other names linked to the role include Springboks assistant Tony Brown and former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie.

NZR says the recruitment process is under way, with the All Blacks facing a heavy 2026 Test schedule as preparations for the 2027 World Cup continue.

Next man up

Despite finishing second to last in the 2025 domestic Super Rugby season, current Highlanders coach and former All Black Jamie Joseph is reportedly next in line for the role.

According to RNZ, other potential links include Springboks assistant coach Tony Brown and former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie.