'It's amateur hour': NZR slammed following coaching announcement

New Zealand Rugby made international headlines on Wednesday as they confirmed that the All Blacks coach for 2024 and beyond will be confirmed within the next “four to six weeks.”

The rugby world is changing like never before, as many coaches and unions decide to cement their futures ahead of the sport’s most prestigious event.

New Zealand Rugby and the All Blacks are no different.

Following months of speculation and discussion, the appointment will put rumours to bed as the All Blacks lock in their coach of choice.

Crusaders boss Scott Robertson and Japan coach Jamie Joseph are reportedly among the front runners for the coveted position.

But rugby fans and pundits are still not satisfied with the unprecedented process.

SENZ Breakfast host Tony Kemp hasn’t held back in his assessment of the announcement, as he slammed NZR for their lack of professionalism,

“I’ve got to say, it’s amateur hour, seriously,” Kemp said on SENZ Breakfast.

“I don’t know how many times you look at it and try to make it sound professional.

“It just doesn’t look professional, the more you look at Ian Foster’s interview last week, the worst it looks for New Zealand Rugby.

“The mention of review of 2019, I guess they’re talking about the loss to England in the World Cup, it says a lot.

“To go all the way back to 2019, it’s 2023 and to advertise for an All Blacks coach? Come on.

“The job should be cemented and everyone should know who the next coach is going to be.”

The All Blacks are no longer the world’s No. 1 ranked team, but their aura and pedigree remains just as powerful.

As one of the traditional powerhouses of the sport, Kemp said the All Blacks “should know” who their next coach is by now.

“The All Blacks, who are the benchmark, should know who the next All Blacks coach is, seriously,” he added.

“They’re going to market, four to six weeks, talking about an independent appointment panel and to not name the independent panel and saying, ‘We don’t want to be under scrutiny.’

“For me it’s amateur hour, you’ve got a professional sport run by amateurs.”

Current All Blacks coach Ian Foster confirmed on Wednesday that he will not re-apply for the position.

Foster has only been in the position since the 2019 World Cup in Japan, and has a 67,7 per cent win rate.

“As I said last week, I felt the best thing for our team and for our entire management group was to have this process done after the Rugby World Cup. That hasn’t happened but we will accept the decision and move on,” Foster said.

“My sole focus remains unchanged. It is to lead this All Blacks team and management group in our planning and preparation so that we go to France with the goal of winning the Rugby World Cup and making this country proud.

“I won’t be re-applying for the job of head coach.”