Crusaders coach Scott Robertson says he wants the All Blacks head coaching role or nothing at all.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson is seeking a promotion to the All Black head coaching role. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Robertson is one of the front-runners to be the next All Blacks coach and has confirmed he has his job interview with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) lined up for December.
The Super Rugby title-winning coach said he only had interest in the All Blacks top job and would not consider an assistant role with the national side.
NZR reached out to 26 prospective candidates to replace outgoing coach Steve Hansen.
Robertson said he was currently "doing two jobs" as he prepared a new-look Crusaders side for a Super Rugby title defence as well as got himself ready to face the All Blacks coaching appointments panel.
Should Robertson be named as All Blacks coach he said he would leave the Crusaders after three years in charge.
"It's [All Blacks head coach] obviously is one of the biggest jobs in world rugby so someone would have to take over the Crusaders for sure."
To fill the void, Robertson said the Crusaders, who kick off their Super Rugby campaign on February 1, had a plan in place.
"We've got a great foundation there that we can build off ... we've been diligent on working on a contingency if I also get the All Black role and the planning is going well there."
However, Robertson would not confirm if the Crusaders head coach role would then be passed on to one of his current assistant coaches.
NZR chairman Brent Impey said the All Blacks coach appointments panel would put an emphasis on the coaching team each applicant assembled.
Robertson had reached out to Japan assistant coach Tony Brown to join his coaching team, but the former All Black turned him down, opting instead to back Japan coach Jamie Joseph in his push for the All Blacks role.
"Tony made his call, it was a tough phone call to take. We'd planned for a while to work together, he's shown his hand with Jamie and shown his loyalties, I appreciate it was a tough call for him to make to me," Robertson said.
Just who Robertson has now enlisted as his potential assistant coaches is not clear.
"That's part of the game, you have conversations with people and you work out the best options for yourself and who is going to be best for the team."
Robertson would not change his style for the All Blacks role.
"I've got my formula, I've worked really hard from coaching schoolboy rugby through club rugby to Super Rugby so all the learnings along the way can help me in my quest to be the All Black coach."
The appointment panel includes, incoming NZR chief executive Mark Robinson, NZR head of High Performance Mike Anthony, former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry and former Silver Ferns coach and High Performance Sport New Zealand director, Waimarama Taumaunu.
Around 12 players would also have input on the appointment.
NZR aims to name the next coach by Christmas.