Overview
- Reports published over Sunday and Monday say the proposed Christchurch franchise has tabled a four‑year contract for former All Blacks coach Scott Robertson to lead the Southern Orcas.
- Orcas chairman Sir Graham Lowe says the offer is conditional on the club being granted an NRL licence and Robertson has not publicly accepted the role.
- Lowe acknowledged Robertson has no prior rugby league head‑coaching experience and said the Orcas would appoint experienced league assistants to support any code switch.
- The Orcas are pitching entry into the NRL in 2029 and argue many New Zealand union players could transition to the 13‑player game for the new club.
- If the move proceeds, it would be an uncommon high‑profile coaching switch between codes and could strengthen the Orcas’ licence case while the NRL and Robertson weigh next steps.