Ex-All Blacks boss Scott Robertson's next role in rugby revealed

Scott Robertson will get an early chance to avenge last year’s record loss to the Springboks, which played a big part in his downfall as All Blacks boss, after being named in the Barbarians coaching setup for this summer fixtures against South Africa and Wales.

Robertson’s stock fell dramatically after the 43-10 defeat to South Africa in Wellington last September, which was the heaviest in the All Blacks’ 120-year history, and he parted company with the All Blacks in January after just two years in charge. But he won’t be away from the international arena for long following this latest appointment.

The Barbarians will take on the Springboks at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, June 20, before facing Wales a week later at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, in a men’s and women’s double header.

Robertson, who won 20 of his 27 Tests with the All Blacks, will be joined in the coaching setup by Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi, Racing 92 head coach Patrice Collazo and Argentina assistant coach Kenny Lynn.

The 51-year-old is no stranger to the Barbarians environment, having coached the side on four previous occasions — against New Zealand and Tonga in 2017, an All Blacks XV in 2022, and Wales in 2023.

“The Barbarians brings the rugby world together, so it’s special to be a part of it and to honour the jersey,” Robertson said.

Contepomi, a born entertainer in his playing days, added: “It was a tremendous honour to play for the Barbarians, and now to be invited to coach the BaaBaas in a match against the back-to-back world champions in their own country is just as special.

“It’s a recognition of the performance of Los Pumas in recent years, and it will be a great challenge to put a team together in a week to face South Africa. I eagerly await that opportunity.”

The Barbarians have faced South Africa nine times since their first meeting in 1952, and Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus says a match against the famous invitational side will play an invaluable part in his team’s preparations for the inaugural Nations Championship.

“It’s always exciting to face the BaaBaas, and we are looking forward to hosting them in South Africa for the second year in a row — this time at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, where we have traditionally enjoyed fantastic support,” said Erasmus.

“With our opening Nations Championship encounter against England two weeks later, this will be an ideal opportunity to get the players match-ready against a side that always boasts top players from across the world.

“The key for us, however, will be to focus on our structures and what we want to achieve on the field. This is a new season with two new exciting competitions, so the sooner we get into a Test match mindset, the better.”

Tickets for the Springboks v Barbarians clash, starting from R250 per person, will go on sale from 10h00 (SAST) on Wednesday, February 25. Tickets for the Barbarians v Wales Double Header can be purchased via Ticketmaster.