Steve Hansen has been appointed to the position of All Blacks Coach, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) announced today.
The unanimous decision was made by the NZRU Board today following an interview with Mr Hansen.
In making the announcement, NZRU Chairman Mike Eagle said Steve Hansen was the best possible candidate for the job of All Blacks Coach.
“I want to congratulate him on his appointment. He is an outstanding coach and has been a key part of a hugely successful All Blacks team since becoming an Assistant Coach in 2004. He has huge respect and backing from the team and his peers and is the right man to now lead the team.”
Mr Eagle said having one of the current coaches involved in leading the team forward was a huge advantage and allowed for a seamless transition and the chance to build on the team’s current outstanding record.
Mr Eagle said Mr Hansen had also presented his preferred coaching team to the NZRU Board and this had also been unanimously approved. NZRU Management will now work through the employment process with each individual, and the coaching team will be announced as soon as possible.
Steve Hansen said he was both excited and honoured to be chosen as the new All Blacks Coach.
“I have huge pride in New Zealand rugby and I’m passionate about the All Blacks and New Zealand.
“I feel humbled and proud to be given the opportunity to lead the team into its next phase. My aim will be to leave the team in a better shape than how I found it and to enhance its legacy,” he said.
Mr Hansen, who has been appointed for a two–year term, was the only candidate recommended by an appointments panel to go through to an interview with the full NZRU Board.
The appointments panel was made up Mike Eagle, NZRU Board Member and former All Blacks captain Graham Mourie, NZRU Board Member Graham Cooney, NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew, All Blacks Manager Darren Shand and NZRU High Performance Manager Don Tricker.
Steve Hansen biography
52–year–old Steve Hansen was born in Mosgiel and has been coaching for more than 18 years at club, provincial, Super Rugby and international level.
He has been involved with the All Blacks since 2004, and together with outgoing coaches Graham Henry and Wayne Smith has helped coach the All Blacks to 88 wins in 103 Tests for a winning percentage of 85 percent. In that time, as well as winning Rugby World Cup 2011, the All Blacks have held the Bledisloe Cup every year since 2003, won the Investec Rugby Championship five times and achieved three Grand Slams against the Northern Hemisphere Home Unions.
Prior to joining the All Blacks, Hansen coached Wales for two years, was Assistant Coach of the Crusaders during their title–winning seasons in 1999 – 2001 and won titles with Canterbury in 2001 and 1997.