Just the fine print holding up Robertson’s new deal

Scott Robertson is on the cusp of re-signing with New Zealand Rugby (NZR), but not before some finer details are sorted.

It’s understood they’re regarding contract length, an exit clause, and NZR’s process around appointing an All Blacks coach after the 2023 World Cup.

Robertson, who missed out on the top job to Ian Foster at the end of 2019, has just finished his fifth season as Crusaders head coach, and is off contract with NZR at the end of this year.

All signs are pointing to a deal being struck, with Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge last month telling media ‘‘it’s not far away’’.

The winner of three Super Rugby titles, and two Super Rugby Aotearoa crowns, Robertson has also repeatedly made it clear he wants to stay put, and that aspirations to coach the All Blacks remained. However, the timing of the appointment process after the 2023 World Cup is something Robertson has to consider as he prepares to lock in his future.

Foster wasn’t confirmed as Steve Hansen’s replacement until December 11, 2019, and the process in 2023 would again likely be late in the year, given the World Cup in France isn’t scheduled to conclude until October 21.

Signing through 2023 and again missing out on the top job could leave him in a tricky position regarding his next move.

It’s understood signing through 2024, but having an option to exit if he doesn’t land the All Blacks job, is being considered.

The wait for the coach with a 71-3-9 record in Super Rugby to be locked in isn’t expected to drag on, despite NZR having plenty on its plate.

That includes the ongoing Silver Lake saga, the format of next year’s Super Rugby competition and the fact the current All Blacks coaching group isn’t signed beyond the end of this year.