All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has downplayed suggestions of outside pressure following the announcement that assistant coach Jason Holland will step down after New Zealand’s Northern Hemisphere tour.

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Holland, who has overseen the All Blacks’ attack since Robertson’s appointment in 2024, confirmed Thursday that he will leave his role after the November tests against Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales. 

The 53-year-old cited personal reflection and a desire to pursue new challenges as the main factors behind his decision.

“It’s been a huge privilege to coach the All Blacks and represent New Zealand alongside some great people, both players and management,” Holland said in a statement. “Ultimately, this is about what gets me excited about being a coach. I was happy to take a two-year contract, and the time feels right for me to step away and look ahead. We’re a close group, so this wasn’t an easy decision, but I’m fully focused on helping this team finish the tour strong.”

The announcement comes on the back of a difficult Rugby Championship campaign, where the All Blacks failed to recapture their usual dominance and suffered key defeats to South Africa and Argentina. 

Despite that, Robertson was adamant that Holland’s departure was entirely his own choice and not driven by pressure from New Zealand Rugby or internal dissatisfaction.

“Nothing really, it was just a conversation that he was coming to the end of his two years, and he said: ‘It’s time for me and thanks for everything,’” Robertson said during a press conference. “He’s a really good coach and a good friend. I respect him for the tough decision, but there was nothing from above, not at all.”

Robertson reiterated that sentiment several times, stressing that both he and the wider management team were supportive of Holland’s call. 

“Full respect to Jason for the decision he’s made, Robertson said. "He spoke with a lot of care to the group and from the heart. It’s his time, and we’ll finish strong."

The former Crusaders boss acknowledged the impact of losing another experienced member of his coaching group, after Leon MacDonald’s departure last year, but expressed full confidence in Holland’s professionalism through the end of the tour.

“There’s a massive amount of respect for Jase in our group,” Robertson said. “Whilst we’re disappointed, he has our support and we respect the decision he’s come to. Not only is Jase a great man, he’s a fantastic coach and has been dedicated to his role in this All Blacks team.”

With four tests remaining, Robertson emphasized that both he and Holland are determined to make the most of the northern tour, which offers the All Blacks an opportunity for a rare Grand Slam sweep.

“Jase has made it clear to the team that he’s completely focused on our four remaining matches, and I know he’s already got a few new strike plays up his sleeve,” Robertson said. “A Grand Slam opportunity doesn’t come around too often, and that’s where our attention is for the challenge ahead.”

Holland’s exit marks another period of transition for Robertson’s All Blacks as they continue to rebuild toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

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