Kieran Read has thrown his weight behind Scott Robertson succeeding Ian Foster as the next All Blacks head coach.
The former All Blacks captain was interviewed on Sky Sports’ The Breakdown show, where he was asked about the coaching saga.
New Zealand Rugby are weighing up whether to announce the new All Blacks head coach before or after the World Cup, but this has caused frustration, particularly with incumbent Foster, who is concerned about it potentially distracting his squad.
However, Read said that the best way to handle the situation was for NZR to get it over and done with and announce that Crusaders coach Robertson will take over from 2024.
“Probably the best way forward if we’re going to do it, if we want to look after our best coaches in the country, which Razor (Robertson) certainly is, then you name him, you move on and everyone can focus on supporting Fozzie, because that’s what we need to do this year, get behind him,” said Read.
Read said that NZR haven’t helped the situation by allowing it to drag on for as long as it has done.
“The whole thing hasn’t been handled well,” Read said.
“New Zealand Rugby – really all this stuff should be happening behind closed doors.
“It shouldn’t be aired what both coaches are saying – what everyone is talking about but hopefully we get to the bottom of it and through it soon,” Read added.
Read disagreed that any announcement would distract the All Blacks squad, as they look to reclaim the title they last won in 2015.
“Players don’t want distractions but from an honest players’ perspective, I think they won’t mind,” he said. “I think the way it has been dealt with at the moment, there are distractions everywhere.
“Just go in and name the new coach or don’t, it is as simple as that.
“For the players, it is not going to derail them if they name the All Black coach next week.”
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