Scott Robertson is promising a new-look All Blacks from 2024 after his appointment as Ian Foster's coaching successor.

The Crusaders mentor has been tapped by New Zealand Rugby (NZR) to lead the All Blacks after this year's World Cup after a hugely contentious coaching process.

Against Foster's wishes, NZR ran a coaching recruitment for the next World Cup cycle as the team prepares for their tilt at glory in France.

When Foster ruled himself out, there appeared to be only one choice for the job - Robertson.

"To represent your country, as a coach or player, is the ultimate honour in sport and it's humbling to be given that opportunity. I can't wait," said the 48-year-old Robertson who had been overlooked for the job last time.

In moving early, NZR feel they have locked down the best possible successor to Foster.

Robertson played 23 Tests for the All Blacks as a loose forward around the turn of the century but has truly excelled as a coach.

Leading the Crusaders to six straight Super Rugby titles, Robertson became well-known for his exciting, attacking brand as well as his break-dancing celebrations.

The Tauranga-born coach was the preferred fan choice to follow Steve Hansen as All Blacks coach back in 2019, but NZR opted instead to promote Foster, Hansen's long-time assistant.

"It's a job that comes with a huge amount of responsibility, but I'm excited by the opportunity to make a contribution to the legacy of the black jersey," he said.

Robertson said he expected comparisons to Foster, but he was determined to be "respectful" of the incumbent and the team as they prepare for France.

"We're different. Different people, different coaches," he said.

"He's extremely successful in his time as a coach. And I have been, and we do it in our different ways.

"The way I look and view the game is different. The way I'll create the culture is going to be different and the game is going to be different."

Under Foster the All Blacks kept winning southern hemisphere trophies, claiming the Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup each year, but have suffered setbacks.

They lost a home series to Ireland, their first home series defeat in 28 years, and lost to Argentina on home soil for the first time ever.

NZR were close to sacking Foster last year before a backs-to-the-wall defeat of world champions South Africa in Johannesburg.

After that win, NZR opted to run their early coaching process.

Foster railed against that call, saying if he won the World Cup he deserved the chance to "have another crack", and a fresh coaching appointment would undermine their campaign in France.

"It is an unnecessary burden that you put on your own shoulders that we don't need ... why give a sucker a chance. There is no need to do that," he said last month.

"Let us prepare 100 per cent for this World Cup."

Robertson, who made clear his coaching ambitions with well-timed interventions in the media, denied agitating for the job.

"There was no posturing or anything involved in that ... no maliciousness or anything like that," he said.

It appears Foster, who is in France, will learn of Robertson's appointment when he wakes up.

"I don't know what time it is in Paris ... he has been communicated with," NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said.

Robertson will return to Crusaders duty as he chases a winning send-off at his club, before turning his mind to coaching appointments and how he will spend the rest of 2023.