Foster
Robertson Joseph Schmidt MacDonaldNext AB coach - post apocalypse - is Razor !!!!!!!
Joe Schmidt is reportedly considering a late entry in a bid to become the next All Blacks coach.
Stuff and the New Zealand Herald report Schmidt has "left the door open" to being Ian Foster's successor although he has not yet actually put his name up for consideration.
It's understood Schmidt's initial hesitance to apply for the role has been swayed slightly as conversations around the job have expanded in recent weeks, including at last week's online meeting between New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson and senior All Blacks about the process where it's believed players asked if Schmidt would stay on.
Schmidt joined the All Blacks in late 2021 initially as a selector before being promoted to the coaching set-up midway through last year when the side was going through their rollercoaster season and Foster was facing intense scrutiny from fans and critics.
Before then, he'd already constructed an impressive rugby resume overseas, having won a Pro 12 title and two Heineken Cups in three years at Leinster as well as three Six Nations crowns with Ireland.
Schmidt earned a 72% win rate as coach of Ireland between 2013 and 2019 and masterminded the side's historic first win over the All Blacks as well as a stint at World No1.
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However, his successful stint with Ireland was marred by two failed Rugby World Cup campaigns in which his side failed to get past the quarterfinals - including a humbling 46-14 defeat to the All Blacks in 2019 - on both occasions.
Following the loss, Schmidt moved on from the Ireland job and returned to New Zealand for family reasons. He initially joined the Blues in a supportive role to coach Leon MacDonald before getting the call-up in 2021 from Foster.
Should Schmidt look to add another chapter to his already impressive career, he will contest the role against leading candidates Scott Robertson and Jamie Joseph.
Robertson threw the New Zealand rugby community into a spin last month when he told media he already knew his All Blacks coaching fate but was waiting on NZR to announce it, sparking a series of statements, evasive maneuvres and the eventual declaration by Foster he wouldn't re-apply for the job.
Joe Schmidt, left, and Ian Foster chat tactics over a coffee in Christchurch this week.
Joe Schmidt, left, and Ian Foster chat tactics over a coffee in Christchurch this week. (Source: Photosport)
NZR chair Dame Patsy Reddy confirmed last week the selection would be wrapped up within the next six weeks after a "robust" process.
Robertson enters the contest with a stellar Super Rugby record having led the Crusaders to six titles and an 83% win rate, although his international experience - something NZR has always held in high regard - is slightly lacking with a two-year stint with the New Zealand under-20s his only entry to date.
Joseph on the other hand has plenty of international experience, having coached Japan since 2016 and guiding them to their first Rugby World Cup quarterfinal in 2019.
Should Schmidt join the competition, his experience with Northern Hemisphere rugby could set him apart from the other two as well.
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Guy Smiley
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He didn't say that...Ymx wrote: Tue Mar 07, 2023 9:16 pm What did Razor mean saying he knew of his fate already?
It doesn’t sound like a positive comment to me.
more terrible reporting from NZ media. He said that NZR would be making an announcement within the next couple of weeks.
We've discussed that in here already.
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Guy Smiley
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I'm pretty sceptical about that Schmidt piece...
you'd think he's too much the professional to suddenly be considering applying now. The context around Foster deciding not to re-apply is a contributing factor, I can see that as he's stated before that loyalty to Foster was a serious issue for him...
but if he has a sudden change of heart after some alluded to talks with NZR (presumably Mark Robinson) then there's a shadow of credibility over that, either the process itself or the reporting. It suggests that NZR are carrying on with the shambles they suggest is management.
you'd think he's too much the professional to suddenly be considering applying now. The context around Foster deciding not to re-apply is a contributing factor, I can see that as he's stated before that loyalty to Foster was a serious issue for him...
but if he has a sudden change of heart after some alluded to talks with NZR (presumably Mark Robinson) then there's a shadow of credibility over that, either the process itself or the reporting. It suggests that NZR are carrying on with the shambles they suggest is management.
Mark Robinson is certainly out of his depth.
Looking at how other countries just made decisive calls in comparison- none of which had hit new depths as badly as we had.
Schmidt had ruled out working with Robertson, which had presumably been proposed by Robinson during the disastrous Irish series and start of the RC.
So that wouldn’t be a factor any more. But it depends if he wants the lime light or not. I’d say he probably does not, after watching Fosters excruciating mid year.
Looking at how other countries just made decisive calls in comparison- none of which had hit new depths as badly as we had.
Schmidt had ruled out working with Robertson, which had presumably been proposed by Robinson during the disastrous Irish series and start of the RC.
So that wouldn’t be a factor any more. But it depends if he wants the lime light or not. I’d say he probably does not, after watching Fosters excruciating mid year.
Schmidt -
Guy Smiley
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Totally awkwardGumboot wrote: Tue Mar 07, 2023 9:57 pm So if Joe gets the gig, will he still be part of Foster's coaching team this year, or will he (should he) step aside? I imagine it could be a rather awkward workplace dynamic if he stayed.
Just imagine though, if he hired Fozzie as an assistant.
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Guy Smiley
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Weird Christian vibe. I don’t think we’re quite ready for that, yet.
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Certain Navigator
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It's not clear to me that much/any of this is Robinson's fault. First, he was lumbered with a dud by his appointments committee in 2019 and has had to deal with the consequences of that ever since. Second, he's constrained in what he can do under NZ law which requires him to act in good faith towards NZR employees — which isn't just Foster, but also Schmidt and Robertson (although presumably not Joseph). And because of last year's shambles, at the board's instigation, he doesn't have the Oz/England freedom to just fire Foster and impose a replacement. Third, he's been silent on the matter of the new coach appointment — it's hardly his fault if other people keep speaking out of turn.Ymx wrote: Tue Mar 07, 2023 9:50 pm Mark Robinson is certainly out of his depth.
Looking at how other countries just made decisive calls in comparison- none of which had hit new depths as badly as we had.
Schmidt had ruled out working with Robertson, which had presumably been proposed by Robinson during the disastrous Irish series and start of the RC.
So that wouldn’t be a factor any more. But it depends if he wants the lime light or not. I’d say he probably does not, after watching Fosters excruciating mid year.
New Zealand Rugby’s process for recruiting a coach might be OK from a legal perspective, but is “a bit rough” on Ian Foster, an employment lawyer says.
At a media conference in Wellington on Wednesday, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) chairperson Dame Patsy Reddy said the All Blacks head coach for 2024 and beyond would be named in the next four to six weeks.
Incumbent Foster, who is contracted until the end of the year, would remain as All Blacks coach with “the full support’’ of NZR until after the 2023 World Cup, Reddy said.
Not only that, but Robinson was involved in extending it from a 2 year contract, let’s not forget.
Foster confirmed he intended to retain his entire coaching team of assistants John Plumtree, Brad Mooar, Greg Feek and Scott McLeod, with NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson confirming they were making “good progress” on formalising their extensions.
Yep, Hansen also got a 2 year mid-term extension after blowing the 2017 Lions series while saying he thought giving his successor (whoever that may be, snigger) a clear runway into the 2019 RWC was in the best interest of the team. But then he changed his mind and predictably it all ended in disaster.Ymx wrote: Wed Mar 08, 2023 8:57 am Not only that, but Robinson was involved in extending it from a 2 year contract, let’s not forget.
Foster confirmed he intended to retain his entire coaching team of assistants John Plumtree, Brad Mooar, Greg Feek and Scott McLeod, with NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson confirming they were making “good progress” on formalising their extensions.
When is that quote from? Isn't Mooar with Scotland now?Ymx wrote: Wed Mar 08, 2023 8:57 am Not only that, but Robinson was involved in extending it from a 2 year contract, let’s not forget.
Foster confirmed he intended to retain his entire coaching team of assistants John Plumtree, Brad Mooar, Greg Feek and Scott McLeod, with NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson confirming they were making “good progress” on formalising their extensions.
Back in 21, when Fozzies contract was extended by Robinsoncharltom wrote: Wed Mar 08, 2023 10:10 amWhen is that quote from? Isn't Mooar with Scotland now?Ymx wrote: Wed Mar 08, 2023 8:57 am Not only that, but Robinson was involved in extending it from a 2 year contract, let’s not forget.
Foster confirmed he intended to retain his entire coaching team of assistants John Plumtree, Brad Mooar, Greg Feek and Scott McLeod, with NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson confirming they were making “good progress” on formalising their extensions.
1996 was weird, in a good way.Guy Smiley wrote: Wed Mar 08, 2023 12:12 amWeird Christian vibe. I don’t think we’re quite ready for that, yet.
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Certain Navigator
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He's on a fixed term contract. My point is that the board (who would have to approve any change), having changed their mind about Foster at least twice last year, is not now going to do a U-turn, since this would certainly give the impression of total incompetence.Ymx wrote: Wed Mar 08, 2023 8:53 am Is foster employed or contracted?
If contracted, they could buy out his contract, and/or sideline him.
Contracted individuals do not have to be treated as employees. Although their contract has to be honoured whatever the details are of it.
So suggesting that Robinson should be "decisive" in determining the current/future coach is unrealistic. One, he doesn't have the authority. Two, any "decisive" recommendation he might make is certain to be nixed by the board, for the above reason. They're committed, rightly or wrongly, to this "4-6 week process", whatever that means in practice.
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Certain Navigator
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That just means he was doing the paperwork. The recommendation will have come from Foster, and it would ill-behove a CEO to micro-manage those kinds of decisions unless there's a compelling and obvious reason to do so (such as the coach is totally incompetent...). What his role consists of is sorting out the details of the extension.Ymx wrote: Wed Mar 08, 2023 8:57 am Not only that, but Robinson was involved in extending it from a 2 year contract, let’s not forget.
Foster confirmed he intended to retain his entire coaching team of assistants John Plumtree, Brad Mooar, Greg Feek and Scott McLeod, with NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson confirming they were making “good progress” on formalising their extensions.
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Guy Smiley
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Certain Navigator wrote: Wed Mar 08, 2023 10:39 pmHe's on a fixed term contract. My point is that the board (who would have to approve any change), having changed their mind about Foster at least twice last year, is not now going to do a U-turn, since this would certainly give the impression of total incompetence.Ymx wrote: Wed Mar 08, 2023 8:53 am Is foster employed or contracted?
If contracted, they could buy out his contract, and/or sideline him.
Contracted individuals do not have to be treated as employees. Although their contract has to be honoured whatever the details are of it.
So suggesting that Robinson should be "decisive" in determining the current/future coach is unrealistic. One, he doesn't have the authority. Two, any "decisive" recommendation he might make is certain to be nixed by the board, for the above reason. They're committed, rightly or wrongly, to this "4-6 week process", whatever that means in practice.
Robinson has a major say in this whole sorry saga. It was his recommendation to the Board last year that kept Foster in the job after the terribly incompetent looking shambles that erupted after the series loss to Ireland, a shambles almost entirely down to Robinson's lack of ability in the job. He demonstrated a lack of control throughout the whole period and yet, his role is that of controlling the organisation. Of course Robinson should be decisive... it's a fundamental requirement of his role.
Foster's employment status is almost irrelevant to the central issue at large, that being who will be the coach next year. The fact the Board are looking to confirm an appointment in that role before Foster's tenure is complete is no big deal in the context of being a business management issue. No-one is sacking Foster. No-one has said he can't apply. The Board are simply looking to make an appointment in timely fashion. It's entirely conceivable that Foster could have applied and won. He wouldn't technically keep his job that way, he would have competed for the new (ongoing) position of coach.
His carry on about disruption to the playing group and suggestions he has bee treated badly are shabby excuses for poor performance. Any professional outfit with the profile NZR enjoys should pursue due diligence as a matter of course and the fact that that sits so uncomfortably with Foster and his supporters betrays the nepotism that infects the organisation... of course he should be challenged, of course there should be a timely process in p0lace, of course it's best to do that now rather than after the event when potential candidates have been engaged elsewhere.
That would be a Dream Team
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Guy Smiley
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The Dream is alive, my friend.
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Guy Smiley
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Guy Smiley
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An Australian poster on Reddit has voiced their thanks for making this appointment in time for the Australian home RWC 
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Rugby: NZ Rugby confirms Scott Robertson as All Blacks coach after 2023 World Cup
UPDATED
1 hour ago
Reece Labuschagne
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Scott Robertson unveiled as All Blacks coach. Credits: Image - Getty Images; Video - Newshub
NZ Rugby has confirmed Scott Robertson will coach the All Blacks after the 2023 World Cup, after he signed a four-year deal through to the end of 2027.
The Crusaders coach will succeed Ian Foster, who chose not re-apply for the role after his contract expires at the end of this year.
Robertson's appointment comes as little shock, with the six-time Super Rugby winner considered the frontrunner for the position.
He has won the title every year since taking charge of the Crusaders in 2017, with previous success as Canterbury and NZ U20 coach.
"It's an honour to be named as the next All Blacks head coach," Robertson said. "It's a job that comes with a huge amount of responsibility, but I'm excited by the opportunity to make a contribution to the legacy of the black jersey.
"To represent your country, as a coach or player, is the ultimate honour in sport and it's humbling to be given that opportunity. I can't wait."
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NZ Rugby's announcement comes earlier than anticipated, which ends the growing uncertainty and speculation over the role.
Japan coach Jamie Joseph was considered Robertson's greatest rival for the position, with All Blacks assistant Joe Schmidt revealing he would not apply, but with rival nations circling, NZ Rugby has moved to lock in their preferred candidate before overseas offers.
"I'd like to congratulate Scott on his appointment," said NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson.
"His coaching record speaks for itself in terms of success, but what came through strongly during the interview process was his innovative approach to the game, his passion for his players and his desire to add to the All Blacks legacy.
"We firmly believe he is the right person to lead the team in 2024 and beyond."
Scotland was rumored to be interested in Robertson, with current coach Gregor Townsend departing after the World Cup. Blues coach Leon MacDonald has also been tipped for the Scottish role, but may now fill an assistant role at the All Blacks.
Robertson won't have to look far for a familiar face, with longtime Crusaders assistant Jason Ryan already part of the All Blacks backroom staff, as forwards coach.
His focus remains on the Crusaders and winning a record seventh Super Rugby title, but he is looking forward to getting started in his new role as All Blacks coach.
"Having significant time to plan for 2024 and beyond is crucial to setting the All Blacks up for success during the next World Cup cycle," said Robertson.
"I have a job to do with the Crusaders and that will be my main focus through to the completion of Super Rugby, but I will now have the opportunity to work with NZR to get some key appointments in my coaching and management team finalised, so we can hit the ground running next year."
Ian Foster.
Ian Foster. Photo credit: Getty Images
Robertson's representative coaching career began as an assistant at Canterbury, under Rob Penney and later Tabai Matson, after his retirement from playing in 2007.
He made 86 appearances for the Crusaders in Super Rugby from 1996-2003, also earning 22 test caps for the All Blacks, after making his debut in 1998.
Robertson left for France in 2004 to play for Perpignan, where he spent three seasons, before ending his playing career in Japan with Ricoh Black Rams.
Following Matson's departure as coach of Canterbury in 2013, Robertson took over, winning the national provincial title in his debut year.
He then led the NZ U20 to the 2015 World Cup title, before taking over the Crusaders in 2017, winning six Super Rugby titles since.
