New Zealand Rugby is in the hunt for a new All Blacks coach, with a "gutted" Scott Robertson sacked two years into his four-year contract following a 2025 end-of-season review.
The All Blacks posted 20 wins against seven losses under Robertson, who was controversially announced as Ian Foster's successor before the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
"Scott Robertson has departed as head coach of the All Blacks," NZR said in a statement on Thursday.
"We wish Razor all the best with his next steps. A process will commence immediately to recruit a new head coach."
Robertson, 51, issued his own statement, saying he felt he was building for the future and was "gutted" at being forced to step aside.
"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," he said.
"We have brought through a talented group of young players, strengthened the depth across the squad, and set solid foundations for the years ahead.
"Following the end-of-year review I have taken time to reflect on some of the feedback ... 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."
Robertson entered the role with strong Super Rugby credentials, both as a player and coach, having steered the Crusaders to seven consecutive Super Rugby championships from 2017 to 2023.
But that success never really translated to the Test stage, with the side suffering a first away defeat to Argentina and a record 43-10 loss to South Africa in Wellington.
The review, which involved NZR president David Kirk, ex-All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu and former NZR high performance manager Don Tricker, reportedly revealed significant criticism of Robertson's leadership from the playing group.
Kirk said two years out from the next Rugby World Cup in Australia was the right time to make the change from Robertson, also known as "Razor".
The All Blacks are scheduled to play next in three July Nations Championship matches in New Zealand.
"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," World Cup-winning All Blacks captain Kirk said in the statement.
"The team are set to play a significant 2026 schedule, and the tournament in 2027 remains the key goal.
"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."
Kirk acknowledged former Test flanker Robertson's 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 said.
"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."
