All Blacks coach Robertson at peace with strict eligibility rule

WELLINGTON – All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has given up on his push to select overseas-based players, saying New Zealand Rugby’s (NZR) strict eligibility policy is flexible enough to give him a strong squad.

NZR limits selection to home-based players to bolster domestic competition but has allowed some long-serving All Blacks to take short-term contracts overseas while on sabbaticals.

Robertson previously called for more flexibility to pick offshore players but said he had reconsidered his stance.

“I had a year to look at it and where we stand,” he told the Rugby Direct podcast.

“One of my jobs is to make sure our pathways are strong so we can continue the flow of quality professional rugby players. I understand how important it is and I’ve probably now got more insight around the flexibility there is in the current regulations. It is fit for purpose.”

The policy means Robertson is unable to select star flyhalf Richie Mo’unga, who took up a three-year deal to play in Japan after the 2023 World Cup.

NZR boss Mark Robinson revealed on the podcast that he and Robertson went to Japan in 2024 on a failed mission to try to lure the flyhalf back to New Zealand early.

Robertson said he hoped Mo’unga would be back playing in New Zealand in 2026 and eligible for selection in the lead-up to the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

“You want all your best players available,” he added. “That’s what it takes to win a Rugby World Cup. You keep connected with all of them, it doesn’t matter where they’re at.”

High on Robertson’s list of targeted retentions is playmaker Damian McKenzie, whose national contract is set to expire at the end of the 2025 season.

“We’ll work as hard as we can to have a player like