Crusaders boss dismisses Wales job link
NEWS: Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has dismissed the speculations that he will take up the job as Wales head coach after the 2019 World Cup.
A media report from the United Kingdom suggested that Robertson, who guided the Crusaders to the Super Rugby title in his first season in charge last year, has been shortlisted along with fellow New Zealanders Dave Rennie and Wayne Pivac to replace Warren Gatland when he leaves his post of Wales head coach after the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
Rennie and Pivac are already plying their trade in Europe, with Glasgow Warriors and Scarlets, respectively.
However, Robertson informed the New Zealand magazine Stuff the speculation was unfounded and revealed that no-one has contacted him to apply for the Wales coaching job.
“Wow, I don’t know if they have got a wave pool in Cardiff but it’s always flattering to get those opportunities,” Robertson told Stuff, adding: “I suppose that is part of the coaching job, when a new job comes up your name is going to be bandied around. No, I haven’t heard anything,”
Earlier this year, Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd was also linked with the job. However, the rumours were quickly settled when Boyd signed a contract with English Premiership side Northampton Saints – the Hurricanes mentor will head to the UK at the end of the Super Rugby season.
Robertson, who is contracted to the Crusaders until the end of next season and has previously indicated he would be keen to stay longer, reiterated he wasn’t keen to follow in the footprints of current All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and his former boss Graham Henry by shifting to Wales to further his career.
“Like I said it [the speculation] is flattering. But no, I have not heard anything – I am happy here,”
Source: Stuff.co.nz
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