Arguably one of the worst-kept sports secrets is officially out, Scott Robertson will be the next coach of the All Blacks.

NZR made the anouncement this afternoon with boss Mark Robinson saying a fresh set of eyes and huge energy were some of reasons for choosing the highly sucessful Crusaders coach.

He would not reveal how many candidates made the short list but says it was a contested process.

The four-year deal will see Robertson take the All Blacks to the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The current coach Ian Foster will be finding out about his replacement when he wakes up in Paris.

Joining us now is former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains.