France's head coach, Fabien Galthie, has unleashed a scathing critique of New Zealand Rugby (NZR) for their controversial decision to dismiss Scott Robertson from his role as the All Blacks head coach. The unsettling move, which saw Robertson ousted halfway through his contract, has stirred significant uproar within rugby circles.
Robertson's abrupt termination came after a comprehensive review of the 2025 season led by NZR chairman David Kirk, alongside former All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu and ex-NZR high-performance manager Don Tricker. This upheaval follows Robertson's appointment in March 2023, taking over from Ian Foster post-Rugby World Cup that year.
Galthie expressed his bewilderment at the NZR's decision-making, noting,
"New Zealand’s national policy does not help its national team. That’s my point of view,"
as reported by L’Equipe. He further added,
"Today, I don’t know the reasons for Scott Robertson’s departure. They make decisions and take responsibility for them. That’s their problem."
The French coach also recounted a poignant moment with Ian Foster during the World Rugby forum in spring 2023. "In the same way as when I was with Ian Foster at Shape of the Game. All the coaches who were taking part in the World Cup were there," Galthie shared. Amidst a workshop session, Foster received the surprising news of Robertson's appointment. Despite the awkward timing, Foster maintained his composure admirably. "He reacted with great class; he didn’t dwell on it. I just felt a buzz around him," Galthie revealed. "I didn’t find (the situation) very tactful."
Despite this leadership shuffle, Foster led the All Blacks through a successful Rugby Championship and to the finals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where they narrowly lost to the Springboks in Paris.
As the saga unfolds, the All Blacks are gearing up for their Nations Championship campaign, starting with a face-off against France in Christchurch on July 4, followed by matches against Italy and Ireland. The rugby world watches closely as NZR's decisions continue to ripple through the sport, impacting players, coaches, and fans alike.
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France's head coach, Fabien Galthie, has unleashed a scathing critique of New Zealand Rugby (NZR) for their controversial decision to dismiss Scott Robertson from his role as the All Blacks head coach. The unsettling move, which saw Robertson ousted halfway through his contract, has stirred significant uproar within rugby circles.
Robertson's abrupt termination came after a comprehensive review of the 2025 season led by NZR chairman David Kirk, alongside former All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu and ex-NZR high-performance manager Don Tricker. This upheaval follows Robertson's appointment in March 2023, taking over from Ian Foster post-Rugby World Cup that year.
Galthie expressed his bewilderment at the NZR's decision-making, noting,
"New Zealand’s national policy does not help its national team. That’s my point of view,"
as reported by L’Equipe. He further added,"Today, I don’t know the reasons for Scott Robertson’s departure. They make decisions and take responsibility for them. That’s their problem."
The French coach also recounted a poignant moment with Ian Foster during the World Rugby forum in spring 2023. "In the same way as when I was with Ian Foster at Shape of the Game. All the coaches who were taking part in the World Cup were there," Galthie shared. Amidst a workshop session, Foster received the surprising news of Robertson's appointment. Despite the awkward timing, Foster maintained his composure admirably. "He reacted with great class; he didn’t dwell on it. I just felt a buzz around him," Galthie revealed. "I didn’t find (the situation) very tactful."
Despite this leadership shuffle, Foster led the All Blacks through a successful Rugby Championship and to the finals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where they narrowly lost to the Springboks in Paris.
As the saga unfolds, the All Blacks are gearing up for their Nations Championship campaign, starting with a face-off against France in Christchurch on July 4, followed by matches against Italy and Ireland. The rugby world watches closely as NZR's decisions continue to ripple through the sport, impacting players, coaches, and fans alike.