'I'm ready': Robertson talks All Blacks coaching role and Crusaders new recruits

Super Rugby’s most successful coach, Scott “Razor” Robertson, has reaffirmed his ambition to take on the All Blacks coaching role, also discussing the upcoming Super Rugby season and expressing excitement for his Crusaders roster that was named earlier this week.

Robertson joined the SENZ interview from Southern California, where he is participating in a professional development tour along with a number of Olympic swimming and AFL coaches. Razor mentioned the trip had so far included speakers from the NAVY SEALs and will tour the Dallas Cowboys and San Antonio Spurs facilities in the coming days, learning about their respective leadership programs.

Robertson’s coaching résumé alone has Kiwi fans calling for him to succeed Ian Foster and lead the All Blacks through the next World Cup cycle, embarking on this tour proves he feels no complacency while regarded as the next big thing.

In the meantime, Robertson’s Crusaders side will seek their seventh Super Rugby title in as many years during the upcoming season, which promises to be Robertson’s last at the level.

“It’s a part of me, it’s a part of who I am,” Robertson said of the Canterbury-based rugby club, adding that he wanted his 24th and final year at Rugby Park to be just as good as those preceding it, striving to be the best version of himself for the team’s sake.

The Crusaders announced a typically strong squad on Wednesday, with one particular young talent choosing the red and black region over his home team for the chance to learn from the best.

“Taha Kemara, who’s got a great connection with Noah Hotham, out of (Hamilton) Boys High, he’s a year young so we went at him about a year ago and built a great relationship, so we’re pleased he’s come down.”

Robertson continued to share a few thoughts on his team’s other new signings.

“Obviously Macca Springer, who’s a great athlete, had an awesome NPC. He sort of replaces that George Bridge, left-wing, left foot.

“George Bell, who just can play, he’s just got a bit of a niggly injury at the moment.

“But, they’re all the future. When we sign them, we sign them for 10-year Crusaders, 100 games, get up on our wall.

“That’s the mindset you’ve got to have, who’s going to be a long-term Crusader and an All Black.

Complimenting the young newcomers is 29-year-old Melani Nanai, a name familiar to Blues fans with lethal skillset in broken play who in 2019 took his talents to the Worcester Warriors, earning valuable experience in Robertson’s eyes.

“We wanted balance, we wanted someone who’s a really good pro, been overseas, in really good condition. He’s done an ACL but all the medical stuff’s fine.

“We want him to be ready round one, be a good pro that can help, and teach us something as well; everyone that’s come from overseas, either player or coach, has added to our group immensely.

“He’s still hungry, he’s still got a lot in him, he can play full-back, wing, he’ll train at a real high level, as you have to, so he’s a great acquisition.

Beyond the Super Rugby season, Robertson has made his ambitions perfectly clear and available for all to see.

“I’ve spent the last 15 years coaching to get ready to be the head coach for the All Blacks, that’s really clear.”

“Now, the decision’s for them (NZR). They know that I’m here, they know that I’d love to do the job and I’m ready.

“The decision’s (up to) them, I’ll wait through the process but I want to coach international footy.

“So (over) the next few months there’s a few decisions for a lot of people.”