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Cape Town - Scott Robertson admitted that it was disappointing to lose out to Ian Foster for the All Blacks’ coaching job, but said he has accepted the decision.
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Foster was preferred to Robertson as Steve Hansen’s successor and was promoted to the position on a two-year contract after serving as the three-time world champions’ assistant coach for seven years.
Meanwhile, Robertson, who has guided the Crusaders to three consecutive Super Rugby title wins, said he has moved on from the disappointment of losing out to Foster.
“They made a decision and it went the other way,” Robertson told 1News at the New Zealand Rugby Awards on Thursday night.
“It’s nothing personal. They chose him and I get to coach a team (the Crusaders) that I love coaching.”
Robertson said he wouldn’t rule out having another try when the All Blacks head coaching job becomes available in the future.
“If the time is right, why not?,” he added.
The 45-year-old said he sent Foster a text message to congratulate him on his appointment.
“There’s always a natural process as a human, there’s a natural disappointment because I’ve put everything in to it,” Robertson told the New Zealand Herald of his unsuccessful campaign for the All Blacks role.
“They think they have the best man for the job and, look, through the process I did everything I possibly could; they got who I was and how I would have loved to have led the All Blacks and they were clear with my vision and how we were going to do it, but it wasn’t to be.
“It’s been a good four months, hasn’t it? It feels like it’s been an election in its own way. I prepared well, everyone understands what I’ve done with my record ... I had a great two and a half hours in front of the board and it went another way.
“I flicked a text (to Foster) to say congratulations to him. It’s been a big few months and obviously it’s nothing personal, he’s in a position like me and wants to do the best for himself and the country.”
Robertson also dismissed suggestions that he would leave New Zealand to further his career overseas.
“I’m coaching the team I love, where I’ve had a lot of great moments as a player and now as a coach, I’ve got a lot of special bonds and a chance to do something pretty special,” he said.
