The All Blacks are reportedly facing a senior player revolt related to unhappiness around the coaching group and issues within the camp, all of which threatens to see superstar Ardie Savea walk away from the New Zealand set up.
Following a disappointing end to the 2025 season, a scathing internal review has exposed a fractured environment within the camp, according to the New Zealand Herald.
The feedback, described as “loud and clear,” points to deep-seated frustrations regarding the coaching, culture, and strategic direction of the team under head coach Scott Robertson.
All Blacks in trouble
At the centre of the storm is Ardie Savea. The 32-year-old, a former World Rugby Player of the Year and frequent stand-in captain, is reportedly among the most vocal critics of the current regime.
Sources indicate that Savea is so disillusioned with the current environment that he is exploring options to extend his stay in Japan with Kobe or even move to Europe, with Irish giants Leinster touted as a potential destination.
Deep-Rooted Discontent
The All Blacks are set to tour South Africa later this year, and play four Tests against the Springboks, but it now remains to be seen if the New Zealand governing body will be forced into a major coaching shake up.
Key areas of concern reportedly include a breakdown in the relationship between the coaching staff and the playing group, frustrations over stagnant attacking play and defensive lapses, while the departures of assistant coaches Leon MacDonald and Jason Holland over the last two years are now being viewed as major “red flags”.
The discontent is reportedly so severe that a senior Blues player allegedly turned down an invitation to join the All Blacks for their final test of 2025 in Cardiff, choosing to stay with the All Blacks XV instead—a move almost unheard of in the professional era.
A Leadership Vacuum at NZR
The crisis comes at a precarious time for New Zealand Rugby. With Chief Executive Mark Robinson having recently concluded his tenure and a permanent successor yet to be named.
It must now be decided whether to back Scott Robertson and his remaining staff or pivot toward a radical overhaul of the coaching team to appease a disgruntled playing group.
