All Blacks Coach Change - How 2026 Test Odds and Markets Could Shift

New Zealand Rugby has confirmed Scott Robertson has departed as All Blacks head coach following the completion of its 2025 end-of-season review. NZR chair David Kirk said the union took an extensive look at the team’s progress on and off the field and agreed a change was in the best interests of the side. Robertson leaves midway through the Rugby World Cup cycle, with NZR pointing to a busy 2026 schedule.

Why NZR made the call

In its 15 January 2026 statement, NZ Rugby said it had

conducted an  extensive review of the All Blacks’ progress on and off the field before agreeing with Robertson that a change was best for the team.

Reuters reported Robertson finished the 2025 season with 10 wins from 13 tests, but faced growing pressure after several landmark defeats. These included a record loss to South Africa and a heavy defeat at Twickenham that ended Grand Slam hopes.

What happens next

NZ Rugby says a process is underway to appoint a new head coach, with the handover framed around the demands of the 2026 international calendar and the longer run-up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

In a follow-up media update, NZR chair David Kirk expanded on the review process and the timing of the decision, reinforcing that it was made within the context of the current World Cup cycle.

What this could mean for the 2026 sports betting test odds

Coaching changes often make betting odds a bit shaky at first. That’s because a new coach can change who gets picked, how the team plays, and what decisions they make in big moments. For example, some coaches take the safe points with a penalty kick, while others back their attack and go for tries. Until we see a couple of matches, bookmakers and bettors are mostly guessing how well the new plan will work.

That uncertainty usually shows up most in the first few tests of the season. Early lines can move quickly once team lists are named, injuries are confirmed, and we start to see patterns like faster ball, a different kicking game, or changes in discipline. In other words, the first two or three games can tell you a lot about where the All Blacks are heading.