Crusaders coach Scott Robertson still has a "great future" in New Zealand rugby, despite Ian Foster retaining his role of All Blacks head coach.
In 2019, Foster was preferred to Robertson as All Blacks coach, replacing Sir Steve Hansen in charge of the side.
But while Foster has struggled at the helm since 2020, Robertson has only gone from strength to strength, winning six titles in six years as part of his glowing CV with the Crusaders.
As Foster's position came under the microscope during a run of two wins from the All Blacks' last seven tests, Robertson was seen as the next cab off the rank for NZ Rugby, after revealing he wants to coach at the Rugby World Cup with more than one country.
Adding to speculation, Robertson's long-time assistant, Jason Ryan, has been installed as the All Blacks forwards coach and has had an immediate impact with victory at Johannesburg.
But after Foster will take the team to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson outlines Robertson still has a role to play as a coach within New Zealand.
Robinson also denied suggestions Robertson had been on stand-by to step in as All Blacks coach, after the 26-10 loss to South Africa in Mbombela earlier this month.
"We have a huge regard for Razor [Robertson]," said Robinson. "He's a key part of the coaching landscape in this country.
"We hope he has a great future in the game here, but today is not really about Razor.
"Today is about Ian and his team, launching into this new era with the new support he has around him.
"[He's] a key and valued employee, Razor, but let's focus on today, where this All Black team is starting to go and get around them."
Robertson is contracted to NZ Rugby to the end of 2024, but has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave early, should he miss out on the All Blacks job again.
Foster and the All Blacks will now continue their Rugby Championship campaign, next facing Argentina at Christchurch on August 27.
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