In what feels like déjà vu with shades of Ian Foster's era, the All Blacks coaching regime under Scott Robertson is experiencing turbulence, marked by another high-profile coach's exit. Jason Holland, the assistant coach, has announced his departure at the season's end as his two-year contract winds down, leaving the team without a backs coach for 2025.
Holland’s exit follows that of Leon MacDonald, who reportedly clashed with Robertson over strategic directions. Holland, however, cites personal enthusiasm and timing for his decision, distancing it from any discord. "It's been a huge privilege to coach the All Blacks and represent New Zealand alongside some great people, both players and management," Holland stated, reflecting on his tenure and future aspirations.
"We're a close group so this wasn't an easy decision. I've obviously coached with them all in various ways for a long period of time and we think the team are making shifts in the right direction,"
Holland added, emphasizing his commitment to the team's remaining four Tests in the northern hemisphere.
Despite Holland's role expansion post-MacDonald, improvements in attack have stalled in 2025, yet the official stance is of a voluntary departure, not a dismissal. Robertson expressed deep respect for Holland's contributions. "There’s a massive amount respect for Jase in our group. Whilst we’re disappointed, he has our support and we respect the decision he’s come to," Robertson affirmed.
"Jase has made it clear to the team that he's completely focused on our four remaining Test matches, and I know he's already got a few new strike plays up his sleeve,"
Robertson shared, highlighting the immediate focus on the upcoming Grand Slam opportunity.
The recurring theme of coaching instability under Robertson recalls Foster's tenure, which saw significant coaching shifts amid performance challenges. Robertson, like Foster, finds himself in a precarious position, needing to stabilize the team and formulate a winning strategy as the All Blacks face unprecedented challenges, including their first loss to Los Pumas in Argentina and a record defeat against the Springboks.
As the northern tour looms, the pressure mounts for Robertson to navigate through these rough waters, aiming for rejuvenation and strategic clarity in the All Blacks camp.
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In what feels like déjà vu with shades of Ian Foster's era, the All Blacks coaching regime under Scott Robertson is experiencing turbulence, marked by another high-profile coach's exit. Jason Holland, the assistant coach, has announced his departure at the season's end as his two-year contract winds down, leaving the team without a backs coach for 2025.
Holland’s exit follows that of Leon MacDonald, who reportedly clashed with Robertson over strategic directions. Holland, however, cites personal enthusiasm and timing for his decision, distancing it from any discord. "It's been a huge privilege to coach the All Blacks and represent New Zealand alongside some great people, both players and management," Holland stated, reflecting on his tenure and future aspirations.
"We're a close group so this wasn't an easy decision. I've obviously coached with them all in various ways for a long period of time and we think the team are making shifts in the right direction,"
Holland added, emphasizing his commitment to the team's remaining four Tests in the northern hemisphere.Despite Holland's role expansion post-MacDonald, improvements in attack have stalled in 2025, yet the official stance is of a voluntary departure, not a dismissal. Robertson expressed deep respect for Holland's contributions. "There’s a massive amount respect for Jase in our group. Whilst we’re disappointed, he has our support and we respect the decision he’s come to," Robertson affirmed.
"Jase has made it clear to the team that he's completely focused on our four remaining Test matches, and I know he's already got a few new strike plays up his sleeve,"
Robertson shared, highlighting the immediate focus on the upcoming Grand Slam opportunity.The recurring theme of coaching instability under Robertson recalls Foster's tenure, which saw significant coaching shifts amid performance challenges. Robertson, like Foster, finds himself in a precarious position, needing to stabilize the team and formulate a winning strategy as the All Blacks face unprecedented challenges, including their first loss to Los Pumas in Argentina and a record defeat against the Springboks.
As the northern tour looms, the pressure mounts for Robertson to navigate through these rough waters, aiming for rejuvenation and strategic clarity in the All Blacks camp.