New Zealand
Steve Hansen extends All Blacks stint
ESPN Staff
December 16, 2014
Steve Hansen has been signed up ahead of next year's World Cup © Getty Images
Enlarge

Steve Hansen will coach the All Blacks through to the end of 2017 after he was granted a two-year extension by the New Zealand Rugby Union.

Hansen, who boasts an astonishing Test record of 38 wins from 42 matches, has coached the world's No.1-ranked side since Graham Henry's departure at the end of Rugby World Cup 2011. The extension means Hansen will now have the opportunity to lead New Zealand against the British & Irish Lions in 2017.

"I am honoured by the faith and confidence the Board has shown in me by offering an extension to my contract," Hansen said via a NZRU press release.

"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."

NZRU chief Steve Tew said Hansen would be crucial in helping the All Blacks through a period of transition after next year's World Cup.

"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," Tew said. "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."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.