[ad_1]
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson. (Fake images)
- Crusaders coach Scott Robertson remains eager to be a part of the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa next year.
- The Crusaders’ mentor recently volunteered his services as assistant to Lions head coach Warren Gatland.
- Robertson says he will be content with a lesser role, like helping the defense coach or working with loose forwards.
Crusader coach Scott robertson remains ready to help the British & Irish Lions beat the Springboks in South Africa next year.
Register your interest in South Africa 2021 British & Irish Lions tickets
The Crusaders mentor recently volunteered his services as assistant to Lions head coach Warren Gatland.
The news was greeted with fear by the former Lions coach. Ian McGeechan, who wrote in a column for The Telegraph that while calling Robertson one of the best coaches in the world, he believed Gatland should surround himself with staff familiar with Lions players.
Robertson, however, told New Zealand Stuff website I didn’t expect to take on the role of assistant head coach at someone else’s expense.
He said he could, for example, help Lions defense coach Andy Farrell or help another group like loose forwards.
“I’m happy to help Andy Farrell with defense, to have a more specialized role that allows him to get the best out of the group,” Robertson said.
“You need a hand. You have test matches and matches during the week. The coaching staff is great, they have many players [on Lions tours]. “
Gatland recently said he accepted Robertson’s request with Lions management and that it was being considered.
The South African tour, if it takes place amid the global Covid-19 pandemic, is scheduled for July-August.
Robertson is signed to the Crusaders until the end of 2021, but franchise CEO Colin Mansbridge has already said that he will not stop “Razor” from coaching the team as they pursue a fifth consecutive Super Rugby title next year.
New Zealand Rugby was widely criticized last year when it failed to appoint Robertson to replace outgoing Steve Hansen, but instead promoted assistant coach Ian Foster to the highest position.
Full program of the 2021 tour:
– Saturday July 3: British & Irish Lions v Stormers – Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
– Wednesday July 7: British & Irish Lions v South Africa ‘Invitational’ – Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
– Saturday July 10: British & Irish Lions v Sharks – Kings Park, Durban
– Wednesday July 14: British & Irish Lions v South Africa Team “A” – Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
– Saturday July 17: British & Irish Lions v Bulls – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
– Saturday July 24 (1st round): Springboks v British & Irish Lions – FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
– Saturday July 31 (second round): Springboks v British & Irish Lions – Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
– Saturday 7th August (third round): Springboks v British & Irish Lions – Ellis Park, Johannesburg
– Compiled by Sport24 staff
