From the Axe to the Barbarians: Scott Robertson's 2026

Few coaching journeys move this quickly. Scott Robertson began 2026 losing the biggest job in New Zealand rugby, and within weeks had a new one on the other side of the world.

1News reported that New Zealand Rugby ended Robertson's contract on 15 January 2026, only two years into a four-year deal, following the 2025 end-of-season review. Announcing the decision on allblacks.com, NZR chair David Kirk said the mid-point of the Rugby World Cup cycle was the right time to assess the All Blacks' progress over the first two seasons, and thanked Robertson for his contribution.

It was not a record without highlights. 1News noted that Robertson led the All Blacks to 20 wins from 27 tests, a success rate around 74 percent, including a home victory over South Africa at Eden Park and a retained Bledisloe Cup. Robertson, who guided the Crusaders to seven straight Super Rugby titles before taking the national job, said coaching the All Blacks had been "the honour of my life".

His exit set off a wider coaching reset. allblacks.com reported that a recruitment process began immediately, and on 4 March 2026 NZR appointed Dave Rennie as head coach through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with Rennie set to take charge for the July home series.

Robertson, meanwhile, was not out of work for long. 1News reported in late February that he had been named head coach of the Barbarians for their 2026 tour, his first assignment since leaving the All Blacks. The famous invitational side scheduled two matches: against South Africa in Gqeberha on 20 June and against Wales at Twickenham on 27 June, with Robertson joined by an international coaching group including Argentina's Felipe Contepomi.

It is well-trodden ground for the man they call Razor, who has led the Barbarians several times before. For a coach who built his reputation on joy and energy, the black-and-white hoops look a natural fit, and a fresh chapter after a difficult start to the year.