Razor keen to coach Baabaas against Boks

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson could coach the Barbarians against the Springboks before linking up with the British and Irish Lions next year.

The Barbarians are set to play the Springboks before the Lions tour South Africa from late June, a tour Robertson has repeatedly said he is eager to assist Lions Kiwi coach Warren Gatland with.

‘‘I’m trying to tie that up at the moment, actually. I’ve talked to Gats, there is a potential for me to coach the Barbarians . . . and then jump in and help that coaching group,’’ Robertson told Sky Sports.

Having told media at the Crusaders’ squad naming last week he was making progress in his contract extension talks with New Zealand Rugby, Robertson said his preference would then be to return to New Zealand.

‘‘That’s what I’d like to do. My family with the age, I want to stay loyal. I’ve still got aspirations to go higher. But some of those things are out of my control,’’ he said.

Robertson is off-contract with New Zealand Rugby at the end of next year, but ensuring he stays put should be a priority for NZR administrators, who will need a contingency plan if they opt not to extend All Blacks coach Ian Foster’s initial two-year deal through the 2023 World Cup.

Barring a disastrous 2021, Foster is likely to get a further two years in charge of the national team that Robertson aspires to coach.

Asked if he found watching the All Blacks difficult this year, Robertson admitted that it wasn’t quite business as usual for a start.

‘‘Sort of the first game, the hype and the build up. But then you go back them and support. You wish them all the best. I’ve got some great mates in the management and the playing group,’’ he said.

‘‘You don’t wish any ill on anyone else. It’s not the way you work, is it?’’

He refrained from sharing his plans for the All Blacks had he got the job over Foster last December, a telling decision given he could yet need them down the track.

Queried if he’d consider coaching the Black Ferns in the future, he said ‘‘if they’ll have me’’, before adding ‘‘it might be the only job I’ll get’’.