Dan Carter Set for Shock All Blacks Return

With Scott Robertson’s surprise sacking leaving a major void at the top, attention has immediately turned to who will take charge of the world’s most iconic rugby side. But alongside the coaching hunt, speculation is growing that New Zealand Rugby could make a bold move by bringing Dan Carter into the national setup ahead of the next World Cup.

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Not as a head coach.

Not even as an assistant.

But as something arguably just as valuable — a mentor.

Carter’s potential involvement is being compared to the role Jonny Wilkinson played with England after retirement, when the former World Cup-winning fly-half joined camps to provide tactical insight, calm leadership, and invaluable experience during key moments in the cycle.

The All Blacks have no shortage of talent, but what they’ve lacked in recent years is the ruthless edge and aura that once made them untouchable.

That is where Carter could prove priceless.

A figure who has been there, done it, and won it all — guiding young playmakers, sharpening decision-making under pressure, and helping the squad prepare for the biggest fixtures.

Robertson’s departure has sent shockwaves through the game, with New Zealand Rugby now scrambling to appoint a new coach capable of restoring stability and identity.

The All Blacks have endured a difficult few years, with inconsistency creeping in and the fear factor that once surrounded them fading.

The next appointment is viewed as crucial — not just for results, but for rebuilding belief.

The standout name in the frame is Jamie Joseph, who has quickly become the leading candidate to replace Robertson.

Joseph is highly respected within New Zealand Rugby circles, having built an outstanding reputation through his work both at home and abroad, including his hugely successful spell in charge of Japan.

He is seen as a steady hand — a proven international coach with the personality and experience to handle the unique pressure that comes with leading the All Blacks.

Importantly, Joseph is also well connected with the old guard.

Joseph is known to be a good friend of both Dan Carter and Richie McCaw, two of the most influential figures in All Blacks history.

And with New Zealand desperate to reconnect with the culture and dominance of their golden era, there is a growing belief that Joseph would be keen to bring both legends back into the fold in some capacity.

McCaw has long been touted as someone who could contribute behind the scenes, while Carter’s presence around the squad would offer instant credibility and calm.

The idea of Joseph leading the coaching rebuild, supported by the wisdom of Carter, is one that would excite supporters craving a return to the old All Blacks aura.

After extremely strong rumours that Scott Robertson is set to be removed as All Blacks head coach, attention has turned to who could steady the ship and reshape the side.

Here we examine five realistic candidates, each offering a different mix of experience, continuity and risk going forward.

Jamie Joseph appears the front-runner, largely because he is already embedded within New Zealand Rugby’s elite pathway. A former Otago flanker, Joseph earned 20 All Blacks caps between 1992 and 1995 before later representing Japan. His long playing and coaching connection to the New Zealand system gives him a level of familiarity few candidates can match.

His coaching career has been wide-ranging and successful, including stints with Wellington, the Māori All Blacks, the Highlanders, Japan and the Sunwolves. He returned to the Highlanders in 2024 and was appointed head coach of the All Blacks XV in 2025, a move widely viewed as positioning him for higher honours.

Joseph’s track record of building disciplined, resilient teams is well established, most notably with Japan’s historic rise on the world stage. With deep knowledge of local structures and strong international credibility, he offers both continuity and authority. If NZR wants a smooth transition rather than a reset, Joseph shapes as the most natural successor.

Clayton McMillan has built his reputation through steady progression and strong leadership at multiple levels of the game. Raised in Rotorua, he combined a playing career for Bay of Plenty with work as a police officer before moving into coaching. His grounding in provincial rugby has shaped a practical, people-focused coaching style.

He impressed as head coach of Bay of Plenty and later with the Chiefs, where he initially took over in an interim role in 2020 and became one of Super Rugby’s most respected figures. McMillan also led the Māori All Blacks from 2017 to 2023 and served as both assistant and head coach of the All Blacks XV between 2022 and 2024, giving him valuable exposure to the national setup.

However, his recent appointment as Munster head coach from mid-2025 complicates matters. While a buyout would be required, the prestige of the All Blacks job could still make him a realistic candidate if New Zealand Rugby decide he is the right long-term option.

If New Zealand opts for experience over continuity, Eddie Jones would be the most dramatic choice. One of the most travelled and decorated coaches in world rugby, Jones has led Australia, Japan and England, and worked in advisory roles with South Africa. His career has been defined by bold decisions and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking.

His achievements include guiding Australia to the 2003 Rugby World Cup final, masterminding Japan’s famous upset of the Springboks in 2015, and leading England to Six Nations titles and the 2019 World Cup final. He is currently back in charge of Japan, continuing his reputation as a coach capable of reshaping teams quickly.

Appointing Jones would be a major departure from tradition, making him the first non-New Zealander to coach the All Blacks. It would divide opinion, but with the 2027 World Cup looming, his record of delivering results on the biggest stages may prove difficult to ignore.

Joe Schmidt represents a blend of international success and deep familiarity with New Zealand rugby. After early coaching roles with Bay of Plenty, the Blues and Clermont Auvergne, Schmidt transformed Leinster into a European powerhouse, reaching six finals and winning four major titles in a short period.

His tenure as Ireland head coach from 2013 to 2019 elevated him to the top tier of world coaching. Ireland won three Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2018, achieved their first victories over the All Blacks, and rose to number one in the world rankings for the first time in their history.

Schmidt later returned home as All Blacks attack coach between 2022 and 2023, reinforcing his understanding of the current environment. However, he stepped away from head coaching duties with Australia to prioritise family commitments. If persuaded to return, his tactical intelligence and calm authority would make him a formidable option.

Warren Gatland offers unmatched big-tournament pedigree and short-term certainty. During his long tenure with Wales from 2007 to 2019, he delivered three Six Nations titles, all Grand Slams, and guided the team to two World Cup semi-finals. He also built a reputation for forging resilient, highly structured sides.

Gatland led the British and Irish Lions on three tours, including a series victory over Australia in 2013 and a drawn series in New Zealand in 2017. He later coached the Chiefs before returning to Wales in 2022, although his second stint ended midway through the 2025 Six Nations following a prolonged run of poor results.

While recent form has raised questions, his experience in managing elite environments remains undeniable. With the 2027 World Cup approaching, Gatland could be viewed as a stabilising, short-term appointment capable of imposing structure, discipline and clarity on a squad seeking immediate direction.