Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has made the startling admission that he could leave New Zealand to coach overseas in the near future.
44-year old Robertson is currently preparing to begin his third campaign in charge of the Crusaders, with a third consecutive title firmly in his sights.
Robertson’s continued success with Canterbury, the Crusaders and the New Zealand Under 20 side has seen him emerge as a contender to succeed current All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen once he steps away following the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
However, a recent Robertson interview has thrown a spanner in the works, with the coach saying that he could also look to head overseas once he is finished in Christchurch.
“I’ve got some stuff I want to finish off with the Crusaders first, but I would also love to coach overseas, to go to another environment, and test yourself and your philosophy – that would be a really great challenge,” Robertson told Newshub.
“To coach in France is a dream of mine. I played there for a reason – so I could learn the language and learn the culture and the way they do things.”
Robertson spent three years with French club Perpignan. A former loose forward, Robertson made his All Blacks debut in 1998 and represented the national side 22 times before shifting overseas in 2003.
Robertson’s second consecutive title defence will begin when the Crusaders open their season against the Blues on February 16th.