'It's something I'd love to do' - Crusaders boss Scott Robertson outlines All Blacks' coaching ambitions

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson says he's ready to step up and become the next coach of the All Blacks, when incumbent Steve Hansen steps aside at the end of next year's World Cup.

With yesterday's announcement  that Hansen will vacate the All Blacks head coaching role, speculation has already begun to intensify as to who will take the helm of the current world champions after Japan 2019.

Having steered the Crusaders to back-to-back Super Rugby titles, as well as a raft of success with the likes of Canterbury at provincial level, and the New Zealand Under20 Baby Blacks side, Robertson is at the top of many fans' short-lists to take over from Hansen.

Robertson himself has already made it clear he's open to taking the job, with another former favourite, Ireland's Joe Schmidt leaving coaching after next year.

Speaking to Stuff, Robertson made it clear that should the opportunity present itself, he'd consider himself ready to take arguably the biggest job in world rugby.

"Fortunately I played for the All Blacks for five years and I had some great years and understand how it works when you play well and I understand when it doesn't go well and how resilient you need to be and understand the expectations of the nation are on your shoulders," he said.

"It's something that interests me and I want to be clear and open about it. If it's right by the end of the year, I'll have a crack and that's exciting."

However, Robertson also says that he's aware there are multiple candidates to possibly take the job, with names such as current assistant coach Ian Foster also in the mix.

"There's a lot of other guys than can do the job as well. It's something I'd love to do if the time was right. We'll find out in 10 months time or something like that and just go through the process."

"It's going to be hotly contested. There's some great options out there and if I'm the right man for the job at that time then great."