Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has revealed that he would consider succeeding Steve Hansen as All Blacks coach following the 2019 World Cup. 

Hansen is expected to make an announcement on his future on 17 December, with rumours linking him to a director of rugby role.

Robertson, who has coached the Crusaders to successive Super Rugby titles and led the New Zealand U20 side to the World Rugby U20 Championship in 2015, has been touted as one of the possible successors, along with Ireland’s Joe Schmidt.

However, with Schmidt announcing that he will step away from coaching altogether after the World Cup, the list of possible names has shortened. Robertson told Stuff that the All Blacks job is something he will consider, especially as his contract with the Crusaders ends after 2019.

‘The All Blacks job doesn’t come up too often,’ Robertson said. ‘When it does, you have to have a real good look at it.

‘The biggest thing for me, that’s served me well, is the patience side of it, and the ability to get your timing right. I’ve got a great job at the moment and I’ve got a big decision in the next three or four months – what’s going to happen in 2020, and I’ll just see where the cards fall with other coaches and just see what opportunities there are.

‘I’m working with the New Zealand Rugby Union at the moment about what it [2020 and beyond] looks like. We know Steve is going to make a play soon, so we’ll see what he has to say.’

Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix