Hansen to finish in 2019?

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has given another indication he will step down after the 2019 World Cup.

After initially indicating at the 2015 World Cup he would finish at the end of this season, New Zealand Rugby convinced Hansen to see the All Blacks through to the end of 2019.

That was always going to be Hansen’s end point, and his comments about stepping aside then will surprise no one.

When he signed on again last year, Hansen said he couldn’t rule out coaching beyond the 2019 cup, but said it was unlikely.

‘‘I think, without committing to it 100 per cent, I can’t see myself extending beyond the World Cup and there are probably a couple of others [All Blacks management team] who won’t either,’’ Hansen told NZME.