All Blacks coaching vacancy piques interest of Crusaders mentor Robertson

He’s adored for his breakdancing after title wins and eccentric personality, but Scott Robertson believes he’s got the serious side to be the next All Blacks head coach.

Crusaders coach Robertson has emerged as one of several contenders who could potentially take over when Steve Hansen steps down after the World Cup.

Robertson indicated last month he was keen on the position if it came up in the future, something he confirmed again at Christchurch Airport yesterday, after arriving back from the New Zealand Rugby Awards in Auckland.

Robertson, who is off contract with the Crusaders at the end of

2019, planned to reflect over the summer with wife Jane and said family would be crucial in any decision he made. The couple have three young sons – Cass, Macklan and Beau.

Robertson, 44, who played 22 tests for the All Blacks between

1998-2002, has made a fine start to his coaching career and his resume makes for impressive reading.

He’s guided the Crusaders to back-to-back Super Rugby titles over the past two years and a fine 34 win-three loss record in that competition. Robertson also steered Canterbury to three premiership titles as head coach and helped lead the New Zealand under-20s to their agegroup world title in 2015.

Robertson said he was comfortable he could step up to the next level.

‘‘Fortunately I played for the All Blacks for five years and I had some great years and understand how it works when you play well and I understand when it doesn’t go well and how resilient you need to be and understand the expectations of the nation are on your shoulders.

‘‘It’s not just your region, but it’s everyone and everyone has got an opinion. Over the next year, it’s a real good chance for me to contemplate what it looks like for me if the timing is right. I’m an aspirational coach and if the timing is right I’ll have a crack.’’

Robertson said he wanted to concentrate on the quest for a threepeat with the Crusaders in 2019 and would make a final call on the All Blacks later next year. ‘‘It’s something that interests me and I want to be clear and open about it. If it’s right by the end of the year, I’ll have a crack and that’s exciting.’’

‘‘It’s going to be hotly contested. There’s some great options out there and if I’m the right man for the job at that time then great.’’

Brendon Egan

BEST COACH