Robertson looking to learn with the Lions

Scott Robertson has shed light on his potential involvement with the British and Irish Lions, admitting it’s highly likely he will join Warren Gatland’s coaching staff.

The Crusaders coach revealed in August that, after missing out on the All Blacks job to Ian Foster, he approached Gatland about joining the team on their tour of South Africa in 2021, with a desire to fill out his CV with international coaching experience.

Robertson says he’s in promising talks with Lions management.

“We’ve had some good conversations the last couple of weeks around the opportunity. I’m looking at potentially being involved with the team that could play against the Springboks and then stay on in some capacity.

“It wasn’t an assistant role I was wanting, it was a learning opportunity for me, [to] help a lot around the professional development and support their current coaching group. It wasn’t about being an assistant, as such.

Those conversations are continuing . . . it’s a highly likely chance, I’m finding ways I can get there. Scott Robertson

“Those conversations are continuing ... it’s a highly likely chance, I’m finding ways I can get there.”

Any involvement will follow on from the 46-year-old’s duties in Super Rugby, where he will look to win a fifth consecutive title with the Canterbury franchise next year.

The experience Robertson is after will aid in him landing a more prominent role, likely outside of New Zealand, should his time with the Crusaders finish soon.

Robertson earlier revealed he had aspirations to coach overseas and recognised the sensitive timing around roles on the international market.

He played in France for three years to learn French, in the hope of boosting his chances to coach there one day.

The Lions series in South Africa kicks off on July 3, with the three tests running on three consecutive weekends from July 24.

Robertson also revealed his squad for next year’s Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign and how he will need to use the depth within his camp right off the bat.

All Black Braydon Ennor is out for the entire season with an ACL injury, while fellow international George Bridge and Manasa Mataele will miss the start of the season, both with pectoral injuries.

That will see the likes of Leicester Faingaanuku and Dallas McLeod relied on more in the first team, players Robertson tipped to have big seasons in 2021.

“We’ve got a lot of guys that can play in multiple positions like a Dave Havili and Leicester Faingaanuku.

“Leicester, during Mitre 10 Cup, was carrying a few people on the field, he’s an awesome talent. If you want to win championships, you need depth and if George is out, Leicester comes in.”

The four-time defending champions welcome rookies Isaiah Punivai, Chay Fihaki, Taimati Williams and Fletcher Newell, who have all come through the academy and provincial rugby to earn spots.