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All Blacks coaching contender throws spanner in the works

Scott Robertson. Photo / Getty Images
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Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has made the startling admission that he could leave New Zealand to coach overseas in the near future.

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44-year old Robertson is currently preparing to begin his third campaign in charge of the Crusaders, with a third consecutive title firmly in his sights.

Robertson’s continued success with Canterbury, the Crusaders and the New Zealand Under 20 side has seen him emerge as a contender to succeed current All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen once he steps away following the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

However, a recent Robertson interview has thrown a spanner in the works, with the coach saying that he could also look to head overseas once he is finished in Christchurch.

“I’ve got some stuff I want to finish off with the Crusaders first, but I would also love to coach overseas, to go to another environment, and test yourself and your philosophy – that would be a really great challenge,” Robertson told Newshub.

“To coach in France is a dream of mine. I played there for a reason – so I could learn the language and learn the culture and the way they do things.”

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Robertson spent three years with French club Perpignan. A former loose forward, Robertson made his All Blacks debut in 1998 and represented the national side 22 times before shifting overseas in 2003.

Robertson’s second consecutive title defence will begin when the Crusaders open their season against the Blues on February 16th.

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Phantom 37 minutes ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



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