All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has signed a contract extension until 2017, ensuring that he will remain in charge of the national side until after the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand.
The 55-year-old’s original contract had been until the end of next year’s Rugby World Cup, but New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew indicated last month that they were in talks to extend it beyond that.
“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 organization, together with the All Blacks players and management, have in him,” Tew said. “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.”
Hansen succeeded Graham Henry in the role after the successful World Cup campaign in 2011. He had been assistant to Henry since 2004.
The All Blacks have won 38 of their 42 Tests in Hansen’s tenure, with two losses and two draws the only blots on his copybook. He was World Rugby coach of the year three straight years.
“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,” Hansen said.
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