Robertson, aka "Razor", is currently the coach of the New Zealand team Crusaders.

He will replace Ian Foster, who will "lead the All Blacks until the end of Rugby World Cup 2023 in France," New Zealand Rugby said.

Robertson, 48, was preferred to Jamie Joseph, Japan's current coach.

His contract will last until the end of the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

"It's a position that comes with huge responsibilities, but I'm very excited to be able to contribute to the legacy of the black jersey," said Robertson.

New Zealand Rugby praised Robertson's unparalleled success at the national level, and his reputation as an innovative coach.

"His coaching record speaks for itself when it comes to success, but what stood out forcefully during the interview process was his innovative approach to the game, his passion for his players and his desire to contribute to the legacy of the All Blacks," said Federation chief executive Mark Robinson.

A former All Blacks wing third rower, Robertson has coached the Crusaders since 2017, leading them to six successive Super Rugby titles. But this former Perpignan player has never coached a national team.

Breakdance

Earlier this year, former All Blacks captain Kieran Read came to his defence, saying Robertson was "certainly" the best coach in the country.

Robertson has a reputation for being an original. It is famous for its celebrations in the form of breakdancing.

Ian Foster, who announced in early March that he would not seek a new contract, was under pressure due to the erratic performance of the All Blacks.

Scott Robertson during a Crusaders match in Auckland, June 18, 2022 © MICHAEL BRADLEY / AFP/Archives

The three-time World Cup winners have been in turmoil since their elimination in the semifinals of the 2019 tournament in Japan. They suffered a series of defeats against Ireland last year and a humiliating first home defeat against Argentina.

However, they went on to beat reigning world champions South Africa before winning the Rugby Championship and going unbeaten on their four-match tour of the northern hemisphere.

New Zealand Rugby had taken the unusual step of starting the recruitment process well before Foster's contract expired, apparently to prevent rival international teams from poaching Robertson.

This had angered Ian Foster, who said the rush to choose a successor could hurt the team's preparations for the World Cup, which begins in September.

"I'm particularly frustrated by the fact that we prefer to focus on scheduling based on what some of the frontrunners think is good for them, instead of what's potentially good for this team of All Blacks," he told Newstalk ZB radio.

© 2023 AFP