All Blacks assistant coach Jason Holland has dropped a bombshell on the eve of the team’s Grand Slam tour by announcing he will leave the team at the end of the year.
Holland, in charge of the midfield and team’s strike moves, revealed this afternoon that he will finish with the team after next month’s Tests against Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.
Holland, 53, does not have a job lined up and has decided he wants a change. It means he will not apply to renew his two-year contract which is up at the end of the year.
On the eve of the team's Grand Slam tour, Jason Holland has announced he will not be renewing his contract. (Source: 1News)
In a statement, Holland said: “It’s been a huge privilege to coach the All Blacks and represent New Zealand alongside some great people, both players and management.
“Obviously I’ve been taking the time to reflect on what I want to do with my contract coming up for renewal. 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 from this role and look ahead.
“We’re a close group so this wasn’t an easy decision. I’ve obviously coached with them all in various ways for a long period of time and we think the team are making shifts in the right direction. There are four Tests left, and I’m absolutely focused on helping this team to win in the northern hemisphere.”
While he will leave the team and head coach Scott Robertson on good terms, Holland’s departure following the shock resignation of Leon MacDonald from the coaching team last year raises questions about the team environment.
MacDonald split with the team during last year’s Rugby Championship after and he and Robertson decided they could not work together. Robertson replaced former head coach Ian Foster at the end of 2023.
The All Blacks, who have struggled to find attacking cohesion at times this year, have a 7-2 win-loss record in 2025 which includes historic defeats to Argentina and South Africa. Last year the side lost four matches in total against South Africa (twice), Argentina and France.
Other questions that will be raised today are whether Holland will be replaced, and, if so, with whom.
Robertson said in a statement: “There’s a massive amount respect for Jase in our group. 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.
“Jase has made it clear to the team that he’s completely focused on our four remaining Test matches, and I know he’s already got a few new strike plays up his sleeve. A Grand Slam opportunity doesn’t come around too often and that’s where our attention is for the challenge ahead.”
Holland, a former Hurricanes head coach after a successful stint with Irish club Munster, is an All Blacks assistant coach alongside Jason Ryan, Scott Hansen and Tamati Ellison.
It is understood the players were unaware of Holland's decision even this morning. Holland told Robertson of his decision after the team's recent victory over Australia in Perth.
The team trained today at Auckland's College Rifles rugby club and will leave for Chicago tonight for the Test against Ireland at Soldier Field a week on Sunday.
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