Robertson said his time at Newtownards was important in maturing him as a player and person, but also instilling in him the need to pursue an education alongside his rugby career.

After attending classes at Queen’s University Belfast with his Ards teammates, Robertson’s first Crusaders contract included a stipulation that they pay for his degree from the University of Lincoln.

“It was a great opportunity for me,” he said.

“It brought a lot of belief in how I could play. It really drove me to want to come back home, get an education and play rugby at the highest level.”

“It gave me a lot of confidence. It helped me grow up a little bit, get away from my mom’s cooking, take care of myself, and make some really good friends. It was a great time in my life.”

While Robertson has learned a lot during his season with Ards, the last 12 months have also proven to be educational. Despite his previous successes with the Crusaders in Super Rugby, coaching any international team, especially the All Blacks, was always going to be a different proposition.

He admitted that “nothing really prepares you” for a senior role among the three-time World Cup winners.

“You have to be pretty confident in yourself, stay the course as a person, understand your immediate environment,” he said.

“That’s the big thing I stand on. Who do you listen to? Who can really be objective? But that’s part of the job.

“Nothing can prepare you for this until you do it. Most of the time, you learn by doing things. I do.”

Between Robertson’s playing days and the present, the relationship between Ireland and New Zealand has changed markedly. The home side on Friday night failed to beat the All Blacks in the duo’s first match in 111 years but have won five of their last 10 meetings, including the away series victory in 2022.

“I think it’s a great narrative, a great story,” Robertson added.

“It’s a great narrative. Two countries that are similar in many ways, a small island next to a big island.

“We enjoy each other’s company but there is fierce competition on the pitch, there is great respect between two smart teams.

“A big part of this story is a small part of recent history. They had some success in our backyard, and we had some success.”