New Zealand Rugby have confirmed the departure of coach Scott Robertson, effective immediately.
It comes after a review into the season following a mixed end-of-year season, with Robertson opting to step aside.
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"Scott Robertson has departed his role as Head Coach of the All Blacks following the completion of the 2025 end of season review," the statement said.
"A process will commence immediately to recruit a new Head Coach."
The most successful coach in Super Rugby history took over the role after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, finishing with a record of 20 wins from 27 games.
"Coaching the All Blacks has been the honour of my life. 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," Robertson said in a statement provided.
"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 and, 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.
"As you can imagine, I am gutted by this outcome. I care deeply about this team.
"Given the sensitivity of this situation I will not be making any further comment."
It leaves NZR searching for a replacement 20 months out from the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
“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. The team are set to play a significant 2026 schedule and the tournament in 2027 remains the key goal," New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Chair David Kirk said.
“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 in the best interests of the team that he depart his role as Head Coach.”
The All Blacks will open their season when they host France in Christchurch’s brand-new One New Zealand Stadium on July 4 as part of the Nations Championship.
They will also travel to South Africa for a landmark four-Test series against the Springboks.
"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," Kirk added.
“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.”
