All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has fallen into line on New Zealand’s eligibility rules, and having moved on from trying to bring back Richie Mo’unga, he faces a fresh issue at No.10 in the shape of Damian McKenzie’s contractual situation.

Robertson appeared on the Rugby Direct podcast on Tuesday alongside NZR CEO Mark Robinson and they put up a united front on the thorny issue of eligibility.

In November, Robertson suggested he would push for changes to the rules that prevent players playing for the All Blacks while signed to long-term contracts overseas.

He had compared the All Blacks’ rules to those of world champion South Africa, who allow their players to play club rugby anywhere in the world.

But on Tuesday Robertson said: “I had a year to look at it and where we stand.

“The first thing is my intentions with my comments were was it fit for purpose still? 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. There is flexibility there.”

(Photo by Koki Nagahama/Getty Images)

Robertson said allowing players to have sabbaticals – short rather than long term contracts – was an example of that flexibility.

He spoke of Jordie Barrett’s six-month sabbatical with Leinster, while committing to NZ Rugby through to 2028. Beauden Barrett, Ardie Savea, and Patrick Tuipulotu have also had similar deals.

“Traditionally we’ve gone to Japan to play,” Robertson said.

“When Jordie came and said ‘I’ve got an option for Leinster’ we zoomed in and talked through all the practicalities; what would his season look like going north? Is it going to make him a better player?

“Once we’d listened – he would have the majority of the Six Nations off, he’d had a break, he is well-coached.

“I just had a catch-up with [Leinster coach] Jacques Nienaber when I was over there and just how impressed he was with Jordie as a player, as a man, how hard he worked on and off the field. Jordie is an on-field coach so he will be learning massively. That’s a prime example of keeping an open mind.

“We’re in a position now where he will come back as a better player and that’s what we want out of this. He’s just one example, with potentially more to come.

Jordie Barrett, left, and RG Snyman of Leinster celebrate after the Champions Cup Pool 2 match between Leinster and ASM Clermont Auvergne at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. (Photo By Sam Barnes/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

“It’s worked. The essence is we’re keeping the integrity of all our pathway programs. They’ve earnt the opportunity; they’ve been loyal, they get to go away and come back. Other players, depending on where they sit in their careers, have that opportunity as well.”

Robertson said he understood why Mo’unga was not avaialble to him but hoped he would return to NZ to push for selection at the 2027 World Cup.

“You want all your best players available,” Robertson said.

“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.”

While the Mo’unga situation appears settled for now, there is another issue looming with McKenzie coming to the end of his contract and certain to be of interest to overseas clubs.

“He’s got that special ability to do something others don’t so we’ve got every intention and we’ll work as hard as we can to have a player like him, at the peak of his powers, he’s learnt so much, he’s mature, we’re on him,” Robertson said.

“DMac, what a year he had. We gave him plenty of opportunities. His ability to control the game with his boot. The Irish game, how good was that?

“The week before he came on to kick the goal against England from the sideline to change the match. Then he owned the game against Ireland and got picked in the world XV as a 10. His impact off the bench; his game management, his ability to lead the team is incredible.

“Then you’ve got Beauden the evergreen who keeps going and is so classy. He’s got so much time. He knows the game. He’s been awesome for us coaches.

“Both of them complement each other really well and because they can play 10 and 15 both have great impact off the bench so they’re really valuable to us.”