Crusaders coach Scott Robertson barely bit back his disappointment, as he accepted another trophy at the 2019 NZ Rugby Awards on Thursday night.
After guiding his Super Rugby side to their historic third straight title, the former All Blacks loose forward was a fan favourite to win the national team role, left vacant by Steve Hanson after the Rugby World Cup.
This week, Robertson, 45, missed out on the appointment, as NZ Rugby chose to promote former assistant Ian Foster instead.
Despite that knock-back, he found his way to the stage twice during the evening, taking away National Coach of the Year honours, as the Crusaders were also named National Team of the Year.
"There's always a natural process as a human," said Robertson, as he entered the Auckland awards function.
"There's natural disappointment, because I put everything into it, but I understand they think they've got the best man for the job.
"In the interview process, I did everything I possibly could - they got who I was and how I would love to have led the All Blacks. I was clear with my vision and how we were going to do it, but it wasn't to be."
"It's been a long process - it's been a good 4-5 months and it feels like an election in its own way. I had a great two-and-a-half hours in front of the board, but they went another way."
Robertson congratulated his rival and acknowledged the public support he had received during the selection process, but was cagey about his future aspirations for the All Blacks job.
"I've got a few decisions to make," he grinned.
Robertson still has two years left on his Crusaders contract, but faces a mammoth challenge returning them to the winners' circle, with the heart of his champion line-up ripped from the roster by retirement and defections.
With All Blacks Kieran Read, Scott Whitelock, Owen Franks, Matt Todd and Ryan Crotty all departed, the Christchurch-based outfit must fill some big shoes.
Robertson dismissed the notion of chasing his fortune overseason - at least in the short term.
"I'm coaching the team I love," he insisted. "I've had a lot of special moments as a player and now as a coach, and formed some great bonds.
"We've got a chance to do something pretty special."
