Scott Robertson barred from attending All Black games at Rugby World Cup

By SABC Sport
7th October 2023

Future All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson is now back in New Zealand after reports emerged that he was not allowed to attend the country's World Cup games.

Robertson, who is set to take over from Ian Foster at the end of the tournament, has been in France and caught some pool matches, including England v Argentina.

However, a claim from former teammate Justin Marshall suggested that Robertson was asked not to attend any New Zealand fixtures during the Rugby World Cup.

According to the All Blacks scrum-half great, who made the claim on SuperSport, Robertson has been told that he would be a "distraction" at New Zealand matches.

A message from Robertson's wife Jane to Newstalk ZB host James Daniels revealed they were now back home after a "great holiday in France catching up with friends".

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Marshall is a well-respected pundit but strangely isn't working on New Zealand TV during this World Cup, instead taking up a job with South Africa's SuperSport.

It was on the platform that the former Crusaders legend explained that Robertson has not been in attendance at New Zealand games, due to an All Blacks request.

"Can I tell you something really interesting," Marshall said to ex-Springbok Schalk Burger.

"Scott Robertson has been here in France. You would have seen him. He's been floating around. He's not allowed to be at All Blacks games. They feel he's too big a distraction to the current players.

"All of a sudden they might want to chat to him or might want to impress him, so Ian Foster said to him¦ he's not being allowed at All Blacks games."

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The New Zealand Herald attempted to contact New Zealand Rugby (NZR), who declined to comment on the rumour, but they understand no directive was given by NZR.

It could all be a storm in a teacup, however, with Robertson having informed Newstalk ZB in April that he would watch the 2023 World Cup matches "from a distance".

If Robertson did opt not to attend All Blacks games off his own back that is understandable, especially with television cameras likely to focus on him in the stadium.