Jason Holland explains decision to step away from the All Blacks

Jason Holland’s shock decision not to continue as All Blacks backs coach beyond the 2025 season was one made on “gut feel”, he told reporters in Auckland on Thursday afternoon.

The former Hurricanes head coach had joined the national coaching set-up when appointed by Scott Robertson ahead of his first season at the helm in 2024.

A two-year contract was signed at the time, and Holland informed Robertson of his decision not to seek a contract renewal in Perth at the start of the month, while the team was preparing to play the Wallabies in the final round of the Rugby Championship. The team was informed on Thursday morning, before the news became public.

“Obviously, I’m coming to the end of my contract, which expires at the end of this season,” Holland said. “And as you do when you get towards the end of a contract year, you have a think about what’s next, and my gut feeling has told me that the best thing for me is to move on.

“It’s been a massive privilege to be involved with such quality people, both management and players. It’s just a case of gut feel and it being time to move on.

“I’m really grateful for what the last couple of years have given me, and really excited about the next four or five weeks as well.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

2

Draws

0

Wins

3

Average Points scored

21

22

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

0%

Holland revealed he had made the decision only recently, and “no major things triggered it.” When asked whether there was any internal pressure to part ways with the side, he replied, “No, nothing like that.”

“I’m the guy who puts the most pressure on myself to get performances,” he added. “Massive respect from all the coaches, both ways, and the management group. We’re operating well amongst some pretty awesome people.”

No contract discussions had begun at the time Holland made his decision, and the coach said there was “no need” to wait for them to take place, given he had already made up his mind.

He added that he has no plans for life beyond the All Blacks’ coming grand slam tour, and that his focus would remain entirely on the team until the season wraps up. Holland did say his future “probably” remains in coaching, but he would consider his options over the summer.

The 53-year-old shut down the idea of any infighting in the coaching group, saying his relationship with Scott Robertson was nothing but healthy, and that the pair had shared “nothing more than robust discussions.”

“We’ve got a similar mindset around the game and the innovations that we want to see, and how the game should be played.

“We haven’t had any step-to’s, I reckon I could get him in a fight anyway,” he joked.

Holland was adamant that the announcement, on the eve of the team’s flight to Chicago, was “great timing”, wanting to put any speculation to bed before departing New Zealand.

When reflecting on his two-year stint with the All Blacks, he labelled the experience of feeling the pressure and expectation involved with the team as “interesting.”

“Pressure-wise, it was a different pressure. I think it was probably less pressure for me than when I was a head coach.

“You’ve got your role, you haven’t got all the things that Ray’s (Robertson) got to worry about at the moment around the people and the board, and all of those sorts of things.

“So, pressure-wise, I didn’t think it was anything more than what I had with the ‘Canes. But it’s a unique environment, the international rugby environment, isn’t it? You’ve got a bit of travel.

“But it’s been a pleasure to work with the staff and the players. We’ve got the best players in New Zealand, obviously, and in the world, and they’re all good men to work with.

“It was everything I expected; it was a good challenge, but it was fun along the way.”