'Out of my control': Big pitfall for new All Blacks coach Scott Robertson
Incoming All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson says he'll keep the team at arm's length until his time comes to take over the team.
On Tuesday, New Zealand Rugby announced the six-time Super Rugby Pacific-winning coach would take over the role currently held by Ian Foster in 2024.
Foster will lead the team into this year's Rugby World Cup, his first as All Blacks head coach.
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In the nine months or so between now and Robertson taking the helm, he'll have his eyes focused on winning another Super Rugby Pacific title with the Crusaders.
New Zealand Rugby announced Scott Robertson as the new All Blacks coach from 2024. Hagen Hopkins via Getty Images
Speaking with Radio New Zealand after the announcement of his forthcoming appointment, Robertson said he'd be taking a hands-off approach.
"A lot of that stuff is out of my control," said Robertson.
"They went early and I said 'I'm here, let's do this' and it is uncharted territory as long we have good relationships and chat through.
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"Like I said, keep my distance, but my professional respect for what's going on now. I expect it both ways and then we can manage it.
"There'll be professional boundaries. Obviously, you've got to keep them and make sure we work with them so they can go to this World Cup with the best preparation and be successful as they possibly can and I then can go and do my job with the Crusaders too.
New Zealand Rugby chair Dame Patsy Reddy (from left), newly announced All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson, and New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson. Hagen Hopkins via Getty Images
"It's been a bit whirlwind. Like I've said, I've only just signed the contract. I wanted to make sure that happened before I truly went 'okay, I've got it'," he added.
"I've also wanted to make sure part of this process is, what does it look like moving forward? What does it look like for myself, my role, how can I support the current group?"
Robertson said signing the contract with New Zealand Rugby brought plenty of emotion.
He stopped short of rating the new job ahead of playing for the All Blacks, reserving judgement for when he has his first Test fronting the team.
There were just a few hours between Robertson doing the deal and the subsequent announcement.
In that time, he called family members.
"I rang my wife, she was at HITT Squad, so I rang Mum and Dad straight away," said Robertson.
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"They were pretty emotional. I think they heard, they heard in the tone of my voice that I had got the job.
"They were pretty proud. There was a big 'Well done, son. Really proud of you'. They know, they've been there the whole time through all of this. They know how much I wanted the job and they're proud of me, very proud."
Robertson turns his attention back to Super Rugby Pacific on Friday when his Crusaders face the unbeaten Brumbies.
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