Could a dramatic return to New Zealand be on the cards for Clayton McMillan? Just months after leaving for Ireland, the former Chiefs coach is already being linked to the All Blacks job. But here's where it gets controversial: with Scott Robertson's unexpected exit, the rugby world is buzzing with speculation—and McMillan's name is at the forefront.
McMillan, currently at the helm of Munster, recently saw his side knocked out of the Champions Cup in a heart-stopping 31-29 loss to Castres at Thomond Park. Yet, it’s not his team’s defeat that’s making headlines—it’s the whispers of a potential homecoming to coach the All Blacks. And this is the part most people miss: McMillan’s departure from New Zealand last year, with a year left on his contract, left many wondering if he’d ever return to the Kiwi rugby fold.
With Robertson’s tenure cut short after just two years, the search for his successor is heating up. Is it too soon for McMillan to step into such a high-pressure role? Or is his experience—three consecutive Super Rugby Pacific finals with the Chiefs, plus stints with the All Blacks XV and Maori All Blacks—exactly what the All Blacks need mid-World Cup cycle?
When asked about the rumors, McMillan’s response was refreshingly candid. “To be perfectly honest, I haven’t even considered it,” he told Irish media post-match. But his focus wasn’t on himself. Instead, he expressed empathy for Robertson, highlighting the personal toll such decisions take on coaches. “It’s not the New Zealand way to make such a call,” he noted, “but my thoughts are with Scott and his family.”
McMillan’s reaction raises a bigger question: How do we balance ambition with compassion in high-stakes coaching roles? While names like Jamie Joseph, Dave Rennie, and Joe Schmidt dominate discussions, outsiders like Vern Cotter, Pat Lam, Warren Gatland, and McMillan himself are also in the mix. NZR Chair David Kirk has vowed to “cast the net wide,” insisting there’s no frontrunner yet. “Coaching the All Blacks is the greatest rugby role in the world,” he declared. But is McMillan ready to take on that mantle?
As the rugby world watches, one thing’s clear: McMillan’s journey—from former police officer to Super Rugby finalist to Munster boss—is far from over. Would you back him for the All Blacks job? Or is it too soon? Let us know in the comments—this debate is just getting started.
