Thursday 27 October 2011

RWC Winner Henry Faces RFU Role


World Cup-winning coach Graham Henry says he would be interested in working with the Rugby Football Union.

Henry, 65, whose contract ran to the end of the World Cup, is expected to leave his role with the All Blacks.

He told the Daily Telegraph: "Yes, I would talk to the RFU, sure.

"I would love to work in coach development, player development, environmental development, cultural development of a group of people."

He added: "I couldn't just not do anything. I would love to help other people.

Christchurch-born Henry was Wales coach from 1998 to 2002, and presided over a spell of 10 consecutive victories.

In 2001 he became the first coach from outside of the Home Nations to take charge of the British and Irish Lions in leading them to a 2-1 defeat in Australia.

The RFU is carrying out a review of England's performance at the World Cup, where they suffered a quarter-final defeat by France, before deciding whether Martin Johnson will continue as team manager.

Rob Andrew currently occupies the role of professional rugby director but, like Johnson, finds his future the subject of speculation.

Henry has ruled ruled himself out the running should Johnson be replaced and gave support to the England boss saying: "Replacing a coach because of a result or because of public pressure or media pressure is not the right thing to do."

HENRY'S ALL-BLACKS 
In 2005, Henry's New Zealand beat the Lions 3-0, win the Tri Nations and win every game on their tour of the northern hemisphere

The All Blacks recover from a poor start to win the 2008 Tri Nations then record a Grand Slam tour of the UK & Ireland in autumn

The Kiwis win the Tri Nations in 2010, securing an unprecedented six wins from six games. A third Grand Slam in five years follows before World Cup glory in 2011