Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has registered his interest in the All Blacks head coaching job once Steve Hansen steps down after the 2019 World Cup.

He's adored for his breakdancing after title wins and eccentric personality, but Scott Robertson believes he's got the serious side to be the next All Blacks head coach.

With Steve Hansen announcing he'll step down from the top job after the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Crusaders coach Robertson has emerged as one of several contenders who could potentially take over.

Robertson indicated last month he was keen on the position if it came up in the future, something he confirmed again at Christchurch Airport on Friday afternoon, after arriving back from the New Zealand Rugby Awards in Auckland.

The news Hansen would finish up after the World Cup offered clarity for Robertson and other coaches, who could be keen on the role. Robertson, who is off contract with the Crusaders at the end of 2019, planned to reflect over the summer with wife Jane and said family would be crucial in any decision he made. The couple have three young sons, Cass, Macklan and Beau.

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MARTIN HUNTER/GETTY IMAGES Scott Robertson busts out his breakdance moves following the Crusaders' Super Rugby triumph over the Lions earlier this year.

NZR don't plan to start the recruitment process until after next year's World Cup ends in early November. A new coach could be named before next Christmas.

Robertson, 44, who played 23 tests for the All Blacks between 1998-2002, has made a fine start to his coaching career and his resume makes for impressive reading.

He's guided the Crusaders to back-to-back Super Rugby titles over the past two years and a fine 34 win-three loss record in that competition. Robertson also steered Canterbury to three premiership titles as head coach and helped lead the New Zealand under-20s to their age-group world title in 2015.

Coaching at international level with the All Blacks and the scrutiny that powerful position carries doesn't faze Robertson. While his quirky disposition often garners headlines, Robertson's coaching record speaks for itself. He is comfortable he could step up to the next level.

"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.

"It's not just your region, but it's everyone and everyone has got an opinion. Over the next year, it's a real good chance for me to contemplate what it looks like for me if the timing is right. I'm an aspirational coach and if the timing is right I'll have a crack."

Speculation about whether Hansen would end his long involvement with the All Blacks, having joined their coaching staff in 2004 and been head coach since 2012, has swirled in recent weeks.

KAI SCHWOERER/GETTY IMAGES Crusaders coach Scott Robertson, right, enjoys a laugh with Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker in Christchurch this week ahead of his bout with Alexander Flores.

His decision to finish up as coach did not shock Robertson and now means he can think about his future and whether the position is right for him.

"You sort of had an inkling. If you're going to say this early on about what you're thinking it probably gives the indication he was going to stand down. It's the right thing for Steve."

PHIL WALTER/GETTY IMAGES Scott Robertson and wife Jane pose on the red carpet at the New Zealand Rugby Awards in Auckland on Thursday night.

"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."

Being involved with the All Blacks has always appealed to Robertson more than the lucrative dollars of coaching a club side in Europe.

Robertson stressed there would be plenty of candidates who would put their hands up for the All Blacks job. He wanted to concentrate on the quest for a three-peat with the Crusaders in 2019 and would make a final call on the All Blacks later next year.

"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.

"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."