On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are back to discuss the fallout around Scott Robertson's departure from the All Blacks, the criteria NZ Rugby has set for coaching applicants, and who the contenders are in what looks to be a small-field race.

We also discuss Vern Cotter being ruled out of said race by taking on the Queensland Reds job from next year.

LISTEN ABOVE

On the latest episode of Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier are back to discuss the fallout around Scott Robertson's departure from the All Blacks, the criteria NZ Rugby has set for coaching applicants, and who the contenders are in what looks to be&nbsp;a small-field race.
We also discuss Vern Cotter being ruled out of said race by taking on the Queensland Reds job from next year.
LISTEN ABOVE

Every week, Rugby Direct gives you the lowdown on all you need to know from the rugby world. 

Whether it's the All Blacks, Black Ferns, NPC, Farah Palmer Cup, or just what's going down at the club grounds, we have you covered on your home for all things rugby. 

Listen on iHeartRadio for every angle, every moment, and every opinion.

Every week, Rugby Direct gives you the lowdown on all you need to know from the rugby world. Whether it's the All Blacks, Black Ferns, NPC, Farah Palmer Cup, or just what's going down at the club grounds, we have you covered on your home for all things rugby. Listen on iHeartRadio for every angle, every moment, and every opinion.

Every week, Rugby Direct gives you the lowdown on all you need to know from the rugby world. Powered by Newstalk ZB and iHeartRadio

Rugby Direct

Rugby Direct - Episode 198

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/2bdbb8a8-cbf4-4937-b860-b3de0182953c/transcript

The New Zealand Rugby Union has confirmed the news they have parted ways with All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson just 2 years in to his 4-year contract.

Following an in-depth review of the 2025 season, NZR Chair David Kirk confirmed the trajectory of the team is not where it needs to be in the current Rugby World Cup cycle and the search for a new head coach will start immediately.

Newstalk ZB rugby editor Elliott Smith and New Zealand Herald rugby writer Gregor Paul unpack today's announcement.

LISTEN ABOVE

The New Zealand Rugby Union has confirmed the news they have parted ways with All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson just 2 years in to his 4-year contract.
Following an in-depth review of the 2025 season, NZR Chair David Kirk confirmed the trajectory of the team is not where it needs to be in the current Rugby World Cup cycle and the search for a new head coach will start immediately.
Newstalk ZB rugby editor Elliott Smith and New Zealand Herald rugby writer Gregor Paul unpack today's announcement.
LISTEN ABOVE

Rugby Direct - Episode 197

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/4d69986d-ff83-4b61-99fc-b3d300644b40/transcript

In the wake of a scathing internal review on the All Blacks coaching squad, pressure is mounting on NZR to make changes as players revolt.

Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the breaking news.

LISTEN ABOVE

In the wake of a scathing internal review on the All Blacks coaching squad, pressure is mounting on NZR to make changes as players revolt.
Elliott Smith and Liam Napier discuss the breaking news.
LISTEN ABOVE

Rugby Direct - Episode 196

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/34571d52-a249-4c9c-b2e9-b3d200317520/transcript

On the final Rugby Direct for the year, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier return from Europe and some time away to review the All Blacks' season - what needs work, what went right and what are the big fixes required ahead of 2026.

We also look at the Rugby World Cup draw for 2027, assess the state of New Zealand Rugby as a whole and the big issues confronting the game over the Christmas break.

On the final Rugby Direct for the year, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier return from Europe and some time away to review the All Blacks' season - what needs work, what went right and what are the big fixes required ahead of 2026.
We also look at the Rugby World Cup draw for 2027, assess the state of New Zealand Rugby as a whole and the big issues confronting the game over the Christmas break.

Rugby Direct - Episode 195

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/ab859a8d-f7fc-45e8-ac24-b3ad0021678e/transcript

Rugby Direct - Episode 198

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