All Black coaching contender off to France?

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks coaching options are shrinking day by day.

As Steve Hansen revealed he will be leaving the All Blacks head coach position following the World Cup 2019 many names have popped up to take up the role.

The most prominent one was current Ireland coach Joe Schmidt, however, Schmidt decided to retire after the World Cup leaving the No.1 side to readjust their list.

The other candidate is All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster.

Foster has been the assistant coach since 2011 and knows the All Blacks set-up.

Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has made no secret of his intention to take up the role as All Blacks head coach.

But recently it seems that Robertson has had a change of heart.

According to Rugbypass, Robertson revealed that he could leave New Zealand to coach overseas in the near future.

44-year old Robertson is currently preparing to begin his third campaign in charge of the Crusaders, with a third consecutive title firmly in his sights.

“I’ve got some stuff I want to finish off with the Crusaders first, but I would also love to coach overseas, to go to another environment, and test yourself and your philosophy – that would be a really great challenge,” Robertson told Newshub.

“To coach in France is a dream of mine. I played there for a reason – so I could learn the language and learn the culture and the way they do things.”

Robertson spent three years with French club Perpignan. A former loose forward, Robertson made his All Blacks debut in 1998 and represented the national side 22 times before shifting overseas in 2003.

While another candidate Dave Rennie effectively ruled himself out of the running for the top All Blacks job by signing a contract extension with the Glasgow Warriors.

Rennie will remain with the Pro14 side until 2020.

Other potential coaches are the likes of Warren Gatland, Vern Cotter and recently All Blacks flyhalf Beauden Barrett placed his vote of confidence in John Plumtree.

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