Crusaders coach Scott Robertson is reportedly close to signing a new deal with New Zealand Rugby and the 12-time Super Rugby champions.

Robertson, whose current contract runs out at the end of the season, has been linked to a number of coaching jobs overseas, including potentially succeeding Eddie Jones after England’s disasterous Six Nations campaign.

While Jones was backed to continue in his role after an RFU review into England’s fifth-place finish, Robertson saw the Crusaders defend the Super Rugby Aotearoa title – the team’s fifth straight trophy win.

Robertson has also made no secret of his desire to coach at the highest level and was in the running for the All Blacks head coach job, before New Zealand Rugby decided on Ian Foster instead.

However, New Zealand media have reported that Robertson has now received an offer to extend his stay in the country and it is up to him to make a decision on his future.

Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge was confident that the 46-year-old will put pen to paper on a new deal with the team.

‘It’s not far away,’ Mansbridge said on Wednesday morning while fronting media with Robertson’s right-hand man and forwards coach Jason Ryan, who had extended his contract until 2024.

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