Scott Robertson has emerged as a focal point of growing unrest within the All Blacks camp, with senior figures including Ardie Savea reportedly unhappy.
Following the conclusion of another underwhelming season for the national team, an internal review was conducted by New Zealand Rugby.
This process happens after every campaign but its findings this time around have put the current coaching regime, as well as the governing body, under serious pressure.
The New Zealand Herald reported last month reported that there were “widespread internal frustrations” within the All Blacks, but the newspaper’s latest revelations paint an even more concerning picture.
The Herald have also claimed the “most critical feedback” came from senior players with “frustrations building throughout Scott Robertson’s tenure”.
That is not NZR’s only worry, however, with their star individual, Savea, thought to be “seriously unhappy” and considering his future in New Zealand if changes aren’t made.
The back-rower is supposedly looking at potentially staying at Japanese side Kobelco Kobe Steelers beyond the 2026 campaign or even moving to Europe.
Savea is contracted with the governing body until the end of 2027, but there are suggestions that he may look to exit before the next Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Leinster is a destination which has been floated by the Herald, with the 32-year-old possibly hoping to follow in the footsteps of Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane by signing for the Irish giants.
Unlike those two players, who moved there on short-term deals as part of their sabbaticals, Savea’s potential move may be for longer unless there are major All Blacks coaching changes.
Although it was understood there were some disgruntled individuals within the set-up, Robertson’s job was not thought to be under threat, but the sheer scale of the dissatisfaction could force NZR to act.
Hansen, who has been described as being “offside with several senior players”, is equally under pressure and the governing body will have to decide what is the best course of action to quell the unrest.
