New Zealand Rugby bosses say the decision to remove Scott Robertson from his role as All Black coach was necessary as the team was not going in the right direction.
Chairman David Kirk said this afternoon that, following a review of last year’s mixed performances, discussions were held with Robertson and, ultimately, it was decided he should be replaced.
Robertson was just two years into a four-year contract but Kirk said things were not on track.
He says they were not seeing the trajectory they wanted.
Kirk declined to give any detail of the review but said 20 players were spoken to and there was a "consistent theme".
He says it is not player power, it is mature and appropriate listening to players.
The Chairman says there is no revolt by the players at all, the players are very thoughtful and measured in their responses.
Referring to suggestions that Ardie Savea was behind a player-led move to get Robertson overthrown, Kirk says it is very unfair to say that Ardie led something.
While he praised Robertson for some elements of his tenure, such as introducing new young players, he said some shortcomings were not being addressed.
He said NZ Rugby did not have to pay out Robertson for the remaining two years of his contract and Robertson will not be able to coach another international team this year.
Kirk added he was confident the All Blacks would perform well in the immediate and longer term.
He says they do not doubt they have got the players to beat South Africa in South Africa and to win the World Cup in 2027.
