Scott Hansen All Blacks discussions intensified this week after New Zealand Rugby moved to cool suggestions that Hansen has been operating as the de-facto head coach of the national side.
The noise began after a New Zealand Herald report last month quoted head coach Scott Robertson as saying Hansen “effectively operates in the role most would recognise as the head coach”. The remark set off plenty of debate about who is truly steering the national side.
Speaking after the announcement of the All Blacks’ 2026 home schedule, NZR’s general manager of professional rugby and performance, Chris Lendrum, said the comments were being read the wrong way.
Scott Hansen All Blacks Coaching Role Explained
The conversation around the Scott Hansen All Blacks coaching role grew after comments from Robertson were interpreted as handing over greater control.
“I’m not sure of the exact quote, but I think the sentiment is out of context a bit,” Lendrum said.
“Scott Hansen helps to set up the performance week for the All Blacks. The head coach of the All Blacks is Scott Robertson — that’s what we appointed him to do.”
Inside the All Blacks environment, the Scott Hansen All Blacks partnership with Robertson has long been viewed as a strength rather than confusion.
Lendrum stressed that while Hansen is heavily involved in the planning process, Robertson remains firmly in charge.
But none of this comes as a shock inside NZR.
Hansen has long been Robertson’s most trusted lieutenant — first at the Crusaders, and now with the All Blacks. During their time in Christchurch, Hansen frequently ran training sessions while Robertson adopted more of an over-watch role.
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That partnership delivered titles. After the Crusaders’ win over the Blues in the 2022 Super Rugby final, Robertson openly credited Hansen for spending more than a month crafting the game plan that swung the contest.
As Robertson said when he took the All Blacks job:
“I need Scottie Hansen, and he needs me. We need each other.
Hansen remains part of the core All Blacks coaching group alongside Jason Ryan and Tamaiti Ellison. Jason Holland’s departure at the end of the 2025 campaign leaves one vacancy, but whether that role will be filled is still under review.
“We’ve got decisions to make around the coaching group,” Lendrum said. “All options are on the table — whether to replace Jason directly or adjust the balance of responsibilities. That’s what the review is for.”
The review is expected to wrap up in January.
Lendrum also confirmed NZR aims to announce the new Black Ferns head coach before Christmas, with interviews already completed.
On scheduling, the All Blacks will launch their 2026 home season in Christchurch’s new indoor stadium — a decision Lendrum described as straightforward. A final call on the fourth Test against South Africa will be made early next year.
