Henry Rules Out England Post

Former All Black coach Graham Henry has ruled himself out of the running to take charge of England.

The 65-year-old, who stood down after leading his native New Zealand to World Cup glory last month, was widely tipped to replace Martin Johnson following his resignation.

However, Henry told BBC Wales: "It's not a reality.

"I live in New Zealand but I would like to try to get an association with a [European] club and make a difference."

Cardiff Blues have dismissed claims they would approach Henry, although reports suggest the Rugby Football Union could offer him a consultancy role with England.

"There's lots of things I want to do," he added. "I would like to spend a wee bit of time in Europe.

"It's only four weeks since the Rugby World Cup and I haven't given it a great deal of thought at this stage.

"Over the next six months I will come to some conclusions.

"Things need to be worked out, not necessarily with the Blues. Who knows? Time will tell."

Henry coached Wales from 1998-2002 and sees a bright future for his former side after they defied predictions to finish fourth at the World Cup.

"They played very well," said Henry. "There's a good number of young players coming through in that team.

"They are quality footballers and that's good for the future. I guess they need a wee bit more depth.

"When Wales lose two or three top players through injury then it's difficult because they haven't got the depth to replace them. That's the challenge of the future.

"They went so close and perhaps they should have won those games? That's also the challenge of the future - to win the close ones more often."

Henry Steps Back from All Blacks

World Cup-winning coach Graham Henry has stood down as All Blacks boss after an eight-year reign.

The 65-year-old took over in December 2003 and saw his side narrowly beat France 8-7 in the World Cup final on 23 October to claim their second title.

He said: "I've had enough, it's been an enormous privilege to coach the All Blacks and I am exceptionally proud of how the team has added to the legacy over the last eight years.

"I'm very proud of what they've done."

Henry coached the All Blacks to 88 wins in 103 Tests, a winning percentage of 85.4%.

He won the Tri-Nations five times and achieved three Grand Slams against the Northern Hemisphere home nations during November tours.

Henry added: "I am exceptionally proud of how the players have developed an extremely professional and enjoyable culture and environment, and how they have reached out to people of all ages and put a smile on their faces, both here in New Zealand and overseas.

"So I want to say a special thank you and congratulations to all the players who have played during this time, especially to Tana Umaga and Richie McCaw, the two long-term captains."

Former Wales coach Henry has said that he would be interested in a role with the RFU.

But New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew is confident of keeping Henry in the country in a mentor role.

Tew said: "He leaves the All Blacks job as one of the greatest coaches in the game, his record is unsurpassed and while he will now get time to spend with family and friends, and the odd bit of fishing, we are delighted that Graham is still going to be involved in New Zealand rugby."

Henry was in charge of Wales for four years, winning 20 of his 34 Tests before leaving in 2002, and he also took charge of the Lions' losing tour to Australia in 2001.

Henry and assistant Steve Hansen - who has been linked with taking over - will coach the Barbarians against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday 26th November.

HENRY'S ALL-BLACKS EVOLUTION

Named coach in 2003 replacing John Mitchell

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 and Ireland in November

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

World Cup glory follows in 2011 as they beat France in the final

Henry wins 88 of his 103 Tests in charge of New Zealand

Cardiff Blues Rule Out Graham Henry

Chairman Peter Thomas insists Cardiff Blues will not approach New Zealand's World Cup winning coach Graham Henry to become the new Blues supremo.

Former Wales coach Henry has been linked with the vacant Blues position following Dai Young's departure to take over at London Wasps in June.

Wales assistants Shaun Edwards and Rob Howley have also been been mentioned as possible full-time successors to Young.

But asked if Thomas would approach Henry, he replied: "No, not at all."

Thomas met with "good friend" Henry, who inspired the All Blacks to World Cup final triumph over France, during a recent trip to New Zealand.

But the Blues benefactor told BBC Wales' Scrum V television show: "There has been no discussion whatsoever for Graham Henry to come and coach the Cardiff Blues.

"I know he is coming to the UK in the near future and I'm sure he'll spend some time in Wales and if the opportunity arises I would be delighted for him to visit and have a look at the Cardiff Blues set-up.

"But there is no thought whatsoever on Graham Henry coming to coach the Cardiff Blues."

Asked, however, if Henry wanted to become the new coach at the Pro 12 club, Thomas replied: "Well, that is a different matter.

"But Graham is 65 years of age, he has just won the World Cup and is contracted to New Zealand until March.

"And we couldn't afford him, that's the bottom line.

"Apart from that, he needs a break now."

Henry, who coached Wales between 1998 and 2002 and managed the 2001 British and Irish Lions on their tour to Australia, is a man in demand after leading New Zealand to their first world crown in 24 years.

The 65-year-old has admitted he would be interested in working with the Rugby Football Union after agreeing to coach the Barbarians in their 26 November match against Australia at Twickenham.

"He is the Sir Alex Ferguson of rugby, there is no question about it," said Thomas.

"He has an 83% record in Test rugby, there's nobody to touch him. He is head and shoulders above everyone. I'm delighted to call him a friend."

Henry is among the favourites to replace Young at the Cardiff City Stadium while Wales coach Warren Gatland's assistants Edwards and Howley had their reputations enhanced as the Welsh finished fourth at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Young's former assistants Gareth Baber and Justin Burnell are in joint temporary charge of the Welsh club and Thomas revealed their positions will be reviewed at the Blues' November board meeting.

"We'll take stock of where we are...a third of the way through the season," said Thomas.

"We'll get our Rugby World Cup players back and the board will decide which way that we'll be going for the rest of the season."

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