Rugby World Cup 2027: As the All Blacks move into their end-of-year review period, the possibility of changes within the coaching group feels very real. One area in particular that could see movement is the assistant coaching staff. Scott Robertson may look beyond the current environment to bring in fresh ideas and experience.
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The coaching group has already undergone notable change over the past year. Former Blues head coach Leon MacDonald exited the All Blacks setup in 2024. Leaving a gap in expertise and leadership.
And a former All Blacks coach chose not to reapply for his assistant role once his two-year contract ended. Holland’s position had largely focused on attack and strike plays, making his departure especially significant.
Since then, there has been plenty of speculation around how Robertson and New Zealand Rugby might respond. Some coaches based overseas could potentially be tempted to return home. While others remain tied to international commitments that run through to the next Rugby World Cup.
In today’s professional game, contracts no longer hold the same weight they once did. Many deals now include clauses that offer flexibility, allowing coaches to move when the right opportunity presents itself.
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Rugby World Cup: All Blacks Eye Elite Coaching Talent
There is also the chance that Robertson could reshuffle responsibilities within his existing staff, elevating someone into a larger, more influential role. However, given that this approach was already taken following MacDonald’s exit. It feels more likely that the All Blacks are actively exploring the option of adding an entirely new voice to the group.
Several candidates have been mentioned as potential solutions to the current coaching void. Whether they are realistically available or not. At the very top of the wish list, in an ideal scenario for Robertson and New Zealand Rugby, would be current Springboks attack coach Tony Brown.
Brown would be a dream appointment heading into 2026 and beyond, but the reality makes it a long shot. He is currently contracted with South Africa through to the end of the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus brought Brown into the Springboks setup in 2024. After Jamie Joseph’s coaching group missed out on the All Blacks job, he has since extended his own contract through to 2031.
While Brown has yet to officially sign a new deal, the likelihood of him leaving the Springboks anytime soon appears slim. Despite New Zealand Rugby viewing him as their top target. Another intriguing option is Ronan O’Gara, the current head coach of La Rochelle.
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O’Gara would bring a level of experience and edge that the All Blacks coaching group could certainly benefit from. Importantly, he also shares a strong working relationship with Robertson, having coached alongside him at the Crusaders during the 2018 and 2019 seasons.
O’Gara’s lengthy playing career with Ireland and Munster, combined with his success as a head coach in Europe, makes him an attractive candidate. His intense, uncompromising coaching style is often cited as one of his greatest strengths. The former Ireland fly-half has frequently been linked to international coaching roles.
And an All Blacks assistant position is believed to be among those he has been considered for. Former All Black and Rugby World Cup winner Israel Dagg recently spoke glowingly about O’Gara’s coaching credentials.
Speaking on Sport Nation NZ alongside Scotty Stevenson, Dagg highlighted both O’Gara’s ability and his connection with Robertson. If there’s someone out there, it’s potentially Ronan O’Gara, Dagg said. Razor’s got a great relationship with him. I’ve been coached by him; he’s an awesome coach — I absolutely loved my time with Ronan.
However, O’Gara is currently under contract with La Rochelle until 2027, which could complicate any move in the short term. Another name firmly in the conversation is Ireland assistant coach Andrew Goodman. Goodman is contracted within Andy Farrell’s coaching group through to 2027 and was recently involved with the British and Irish Lions coaching staff for their 2025 tour of Australia.
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