Scott Robertson is favourite to take over from Ian Foster as All Blacks coach. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
Ian Foster's replacement as All Blacks coach is expected to be announced this afternoon.
New Zealand Rugby has called a media conference for 4pm this afternoon in Wellington where either Scott Robertson or Jamie Joseph is likely to be confirmed in the role.
Foster is contracted through until the end of of this year's World Cup but has expressed his displeasure at the process being carried out before the tournament.
Considered a leading contender to take over the team after this year's World Cup in France, Robertson told media last month that news on the situation could be made public "in the next few days".
He also indicated he knew what the process would be and said "the next two weeks is big".
Robertson's comments forced New Zealand Rugby (NZR) to release a hasty statement saying they were "continuing to have internal discussions" but no announcement was imminent.
Then on March 1, NZR confirmed the next All Blacks coach would be revealed within six weeks.
"Following wide ranging consultation and after carefully weighing up all scenarios and the key lessons from 2019, New Zealand Rugby is now commencing a process for selecting the All Blacks head coach from 2024," NZR chair Dame Patsy Reddy said in a statement.
"We appreciate these decisions are challenging as we try to find the balance between public scrutiny and high-performance expectations, within the need to safeguard our responsibilities and ensure we are prioritising conversations internally with our people."
"Until now, New Zealand Rugby has been reluctant to talk publicly about an appointment process for the All Blacks coach to protect the integrity of the process, and to minimise the scrutiny on the individuals involved. Recent events, however, necessitate some clarity.
"Noting the divergent views as to the best timings for this process and that neither timing window is perfect, out of respect for the people involved, New Zealand Rugby will not be making any further comment after today until a decision has been reached. This will be concluded in the next four to six weeks."
Foster then ruled himself out of the running, saying he wouldn't re-apply for the job until after this year's World Cup in France.
"I felt the best thing for our team and for our entire management group was to have this process done after the Rugby World Cup. That hasn't happened but we will accept the decision and move on.
"My sole focus remains unchanged. It is to lead this All Blacks team and management group in our planning and preparation so that we go to France with the goal of winning the Rugby World Cup and making this country proud.
"I won't be re-applying for the job of head coach."
Last year, NZR boss Mark Robinson confirmed the organisation would break with tradition and announce the next All Blacks coach before the World Cup.
-RNZ
