Ex-coach reveals Hansen’s caring side

Moments after New Zealand won the World Cup, I sent a text to Steve . . . ‘Thanks Stuart,’ he said. ‘Hope the family are okay. I’m thinking of you.’

Stuart Lancaster

Former England rugby coach Stuart Lancaster has opened up on the harsh impact that World Cup failure had on his family, and how All Blacks coach Steve Hansen provided comfort in his time of need.

In an interview with The Times, Lancaster detailed the struggles of dealing with “a national vilification” after England bowed out in the group stages of the 2015 Rugby World Cup they were hosting.

Lancaster said that in his darkest hour, there were people who rallied around and it helped a lot.

“The week we were eliminated from the World Cup, I had a note from Heyneke Meyer, the [former] South Africa coach who had been involved in the defeat to Japan [in the same competition],” Lancaster said. “He was going through exactly the same thing. ‘I hope you are okay,’ he asked. It was an incredibly thoughtful gesture.

“I had a good relationship with all the international coaches, because we all know the precipice we sit on. Moments after New Zealand won the World Cup final, I sent a text to Steve Hansen to congratulate him. Forty minutes after the final whistle, when he must have been inundated, he replied. ‘Thanks Stuart,’ he said. ‘Hope the family are okay. I’m thinking of you.’ That camaraderie is somehow deeper and more important than the rivalry. That is what rugby is about.”

Lancaster also praised his successor Eddie Jones, who led the side to victory in the 2016 Six Nations.

“The context and results would have been very different if I had stayed. Every decision would have been scrutinised, and it would have been difficult for the players. Eddie Jones brought in new energy.”