‘Unsurpassed’ Hansen to quit as All Blacks coach
AUCKLAND: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen announced on Friday that he will retire after next year’s World Cup, saying the world champions need a change once he completes his “toughest” campaign yet with the New Zealanders in Japan.
“I think it’s right for the team to have someone new after the World Cup, some fresh eyes, some fresh thinking,” he told reporters, hinting that his assistant Ian Foster was his preferred successor.
Hansen, a former policeman, took over in late 2011 after working as Graham Henry’s assistant for seven years and guided the All Blacks to World Cup victory in 2015.
With Hansen in charge, the All Blacks have posted 85 Test victories, eight losses and three draws, a win rate of almost 90 per cent.
“His record is unsurpassed... whatever happens next in Steve’s career, his place as a New Zealand rugby legend is guaranteed,” New Zealand Rugby chairman Brent Impey said.
While Fred Allen’s All Blacks were unbeaten in the 1960s, he was only in charge for 14 Tests.
Hansen’s success rate is unmatched by any All Blacks coach in the professional era, with Henry on 85 per cent, John Mitchell 82, John Hart 76 and Wayne Smith 70.
“Steve Hansen’s the best All Blacks coach we’ve had. He’s done a fantastic job,” Hart told news website stuff.co.nz.
His departure will start a scramble for his position, with Foster and Ireland’s Kiwi-born coach Joe Schmidt considered the frontrunners to replace him.