Rugby: ‘Razor’ Robertson – breakdancer, surfer, All Blacks’ saviour?

WELLINGTON – New Zealander Scott Robertson is a rugby coach who breakdances after winning titles, surfs to relax, and on Tuesday, was confirmed as the next boss of the All Blacks.

Officials in Wellington said he will replace Ian Foster, 57, who is due to step down as New Zealand coach when the Rugby World Cup in France ends on Oct 28.

It has been a rare period of upheaval for the three-time World Cup winners who crashed out of the 2019 tournament in Japan in the semi-finals.

Appointed on a four-year deal, Robertson’s contract will see him through to the end of the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

“It’s an honour to be named as the next All Blacks head coach,” Canterbury Crusaders coach Robertson, 48, said.

“It’s a job that comes with a huge amount of responsibility, but I’m excited by the opportunity to make a contribution to the legacy of the black jersey.

“To represent your country, as a coach or player, is the ultimate honour in sport. It’s humbling to be given that opportunity. I can’t wait.”

As All Blacks player No. 974, the loose forward laced up in 23 Tests for New Zealand from 1998 until 2002. He earned the nickname “Razor” on the pitch for scything down opponents with his tackles.

His record as a coach is just as sharp. After hanging up his boots, Robertson learnt his trade by helping junior club Sumner, based near his home in the seaside suburbs of Christchurch, winning promotion in the regional Canterbury leagues.

He recently said that he loved cutting his coaching teeth by helping the amateur team of tradesmen and builders improve and enjoy their rugby.

He polished his skills as an assistant coach at his former provincial team Canterbury, eventually filling the head coach role.

In June 2016, Robertson made the step up to Super Rugby when he was put in charge of the Canterbury Crusaders with instant success.

He has written himself into the franchise’s folklore by leading them to six straight Super Rugby titles since his debut season in 2017.

Each victorious Super Rugby final has seen Robertson bust out his breakdancing moves on the pitch to get the party started.

With a thick mop of blond hair, he also likes to ride the waves near his home. It is not unusual to see him skateboarding to the beach with a surfboard tucked under his arm. “I’m lucky that I can surf before going to work,” he said.

Having missed out to Foster in 2019 and also vying with Japan coach Jamie Joseph for the current job, many in New Zealand rugby feel this is Robertson’s time to coach the All Blacks.

However, his critics point to a lack of experience at the international level. He helped the Barbarians beat a shadow All Blacks XV last December and led the New Zealand junior team who won the World Under-20 title in 2015.

Apart from that, Robertson has never coached a senior national rugby team.

But ex-All Blacks forward Matt Todd, whom Robertson coached for three years at the Crusaders, backed him to make the step up.

“Obviously international rugby is different, but with his work ethic, desire to improve and forward-thinking, it would be great to see him go into the All Blacks,” he said from Japan.

Todd, who plays for Japanese club Toshiba Brave Lupus, added that Robertson has his own all-action coaching style.

“It’s awesome. He creates an environment that you really look forward to coming into each day and gets the best out of you,” he said.

“Sometimes during a season, things can become mundane, but he’s great at keeping each week unique. He brings good energy. He’s always up and excited at training. It’s infectious and flows through the team.”

Todd also said that one of Robertson’s special skills is knowing exactly how to motivate, “because he understands his players, and takes time to get to know them, he knows what makes each person tick”. AFP, REUTERS