New Zealand confirmed a long expected appointment overnight, with the news announced that Scott Robertson is set to take become their head coach after the World Cup later this year.
It has a move that has been anticipated for quite some time now, with Robertson having long been touted as the next All Blacks coach. He has done a fantastic job with Crusaders in recent seasons, having also led the New Zealand U20s to World Cup glory back in 2016.
It was previously suggested that he could move into the role as early as last year, although he remained committed to seeing out his contract with Crusaders.
This will be an exciting appointment for New Zealand, who have not quite hit their usual heights over the last year or so. Could it also open the door for a certain Irishman to return to the country?
Could be Ronan O'Gara be tempted into New Zealand move?
Ronan O'Gara knows Scott Robertson well, with the pair having worked together successfully at Crusaders. They also teamed up to lead the Barbarians to a victory over a New Zealand XV last year.
Could they reunite with the All Blacks?
It seems likely that Robertson will get in touch with O'Gara to sound out the possibility, although it remains to be seen how realistic such a move would be. The Cork native has openly expressed a desire to move into Test rugby at some point, admitting that he would have been open to taking the England job prior to the appointment of Steve Borthwick.
However, he recently penned a new three-year contract at La Rochelle. Whether he would be open to becoming a number two once again having been sos successful in France is also very much doubtful.
Speaking after the appointment was confirmed, Robertson said that he will be looking to finalise his coaching team in the months ahead.
Having significant time to plan for 2024 and beyond is crucial to setting the All Blacks up for success during the next World Cup cycle.
I have a job to do with the Crusaders and that will be my main focus through to the completion of Super Rugby, but I will now have the opportunity to work with NZR to get some key appointments in my coaching and management team finalised, so we can hit the ground running next year.
He will likely sound out Ronan O'Gara about the possibility of joining that ticket, although whether he would consider the move remains doubtful.
Still, it is something to keep an eye on in the weeks ahead.
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