All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen has been reappointed until the end of the 2017 season, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) confirmed today.
The contract extension, announced by NZR Chief Executive Steve Tew at a media conference in Wellington, will see Hansen coach the All Blacks beyond next year’s Rugby World Cup into the 2017 season when the British and Irish Lions tour New Zealand, in what will be a major event for the country.
“We think this is fantastic news for the All Blacks and New Zealand Rugby and Steve is the right man for the job, having won the World Rugby and Steinlager Coach of the Year awards for the past three years and 38 of his 42 Test matches in charge. On behalf of all New Zealand rugby, I would like to congratulate him on his reappointment.
“Steve is the first All Blacks coach to be given a contract extension beyond a Rugby World Cup which demonstrates just how much faith the Board and our wider organisation, together with the All Blacks players and management, have in him.
“He has huge experience and under his guidance the All Blacks have reached remarkable heights. To have him re-sign as Head Coach through to 2017 gives the All Blacks the continuity they will need as they make the transition into 2016 and beyond, following next year’s Rugby World Cup.”
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: “I am honoured by the faith and confidence the Board has shown in me by offering an extension to my contract.
“It’s a privilege to be part of the All Blacks and not something you could ever take for granted. After getting the support of my family and various team personnel to continue, I asked myself if I still had the hunger and desire to continue in the role, which I do, so the decision to continue became a no-brainer, because there is no better job in world rugby.
“Whilst I am well aware that there is a lot of work to do, I am really looking forward to the future, starting with 2015 and the opportunity and challenge that awaits us at the Rugby World Cup. 2016 will bring its own challenges with a number of senior players likely to be moving on and then 2017, when the British and Irish Lions tour, which will be massive.
“Finally, I would like to thank my wife Tash and family for their ongoing love and support. Without that, I wouldn’t be able to do the job.”
Steve Hansen biography
55-year-old Steve Hansen CNZM was born in Mosgiel and has been coaching for two decades at club, provincial, Super Rugby and international level. He was appointed Head Coach of the All Blacks following the All Blacks’ famous Rugby World Cup 2011 victory after serving as Assistant Coach for eight years. The All Blacks have fashioned an enviable record under Hansen with 38 wins, just two losses and two draws for a winning record of 90 percent. The record includes the historic unbeaten season of 2013, victories in the Steinlager Series and Investec Rugby Championship each year, and the retention of the Bledisloe Cup. Hansen has been named World Rugby Coach of the Year in the last three years, with the team also getting the ‘three-peat’ as World Rugby Team of the Year. 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.
Issued by All Blacks Media
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @lwosrugbysouth. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and @LWOSworld – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for?
