Former All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has reportedly been offered a four-year deal to make a sensational switch to rugby league.
The 51-year-old has been without a permanent coaching role since leaving the New Zealand set-up in January 2026, but could now make his return to the dugout in the NRL.
According to the New Zealand Herald, the Southern Orcas have formally offered Robertson the chance to become their inaugural head coach should their bid to become the NRL’s 20th franchise prove successful.
The proposed expansion side would be based in Christchurch, with club president Sir Graham Lowe confirming that the ball is now firmly in Robertson’s court.
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Four-year offer on the table
Despite Robertson having never coached rugby league professionally, Lowe believes his leadership qualities and knowledge of the 13-man game make him the ideal candidate.
“We’re well aware that he’s not coached rugby league before, but he’s certainly got a good handle on rugby league and has been looking at it closely and studying it closely for a long time,” Lowe told the Herald.
Lowe confirmed Robertson would be surrounded by experienced rugby league assistants should he accept the offer.
He added: “He just oozes leadership; he oozes inspiration, and that’s what you need at this level.
“One of the key ingredients is being able to get the best out of people, inspire others around you, and Scott can certainly do that.”
Shock code switch
Robertson built his reputation during a hugely successful spell with the Crusaders before succeeding Ian Foster as All Blacks head coach.
Since leaving the New Zealand job, his most notable coaching involvement has been a short stint with the Barbarians alongside Argentina boss Felipe Contepomi.
A move to the Orcas would therefore represent a dramatic change of direction.
Lowe also believes New Zealand’s rugby union talent pool could provide the proposed franchise with potential recruits.
“There’s a heck of a lot of young talent currently involved in rugby union that would easily make the transition to rugby league,” he said.
For now, however, the Orcas are waiting on Robertson.
“The ball’s in Razor’s court at the moment,” Lowe said.
“We’re just super confident and hopeful that this offer will be accepted by Scott.”
All Blacks Handed NIGHTMARE Route to 2027 Rugby World Cup Final
The All Blacks have been handed a potentially brutal route to the 2027 Rugby World Cup final after being drawn alongside hosts Australia in one of the tournament’s toughest pools.
With the competition expanding to 24 teams and introducing a Round of 16 for the first time, New Zealand can already map out their possible path to the Webb Ellis Cup — and it is packed with danger.
Pool A: A Trans-Tasman Showdown
New Zealand have been drawn in Pool A with Australia, creating one of the marquee clashes of the group stage. The All Blacks and Wallabies are expected to battle for top spot, with the pool winner earning a potentially more favourable route through the knockout stages.
Under the tournament format, the top two teams from each pool automatically qualify for the Round of 16, while the four best third-placed teams across all pools also advance.
For New Zealand, the objective will be simple: finish first in Pool A.
Round of 16: A Third-Placed Opponent Awaits
If the All Blacks top Pool A, they will face one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams in the Round of 16.
Based on the draw, that opponent would come from Pools C, E or F. Possible challengers could include:
- Samoa, USA or Japan (Pool E)
- Wales or Tonga (Pool F)
- One of the emerging contenders from Pool C
On paper, this should represent a manageable first knockout assignment for New Zealand.
