New Zealand
Steve Hansen to be declared honorary high chief
July 4, 2015
Steve Hansen will receive the title when the All Blacks land in Samoa © Getty Images
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All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is to be made an honorary high chief in Samoa next week.

The title will be bestowed on Hansen by the Vaiala village at a ceremony on Thursday, the day after the Test match in Apia, the Samoa Observer reports.

Vaiala high chief Patu Ativalu Tunupopo will conduct the event, and Samoan Prime Minister and rugby union chairman Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi will also attend. Prime Minister John Key and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters have previously received matai titles.

"I'm humbled by the recognition and accept it for not only myself but on behalf of the team," Hansen said. "The All Blacks going there is a big deal and being the coach I'm being honoured for that reason."

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