* Hansen steps up to top job
* Only one assistant coach to be named later
(adds details quotes)
WELLINGTON Dec 16 (Reuters) – Steve Hansen said he
has been given the “greatest honour” in rugby when he was named
head coach of World Cup champions New Zealand on Friday.
The former All Blacks assistant coach had been widely tipped
for the top job after Graham Henry retired last month and fellow
assistant Wayne Smith took up a coaching consultant role with
Super Rugby side Waikato Chiefs.
Hansen, who has been awarded a two-year contract, said he
was proud to have been given the job.
“In this sport it’s the greatest honour you can receive,”
the 52-year-old told reporters at New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU)
headquarters.
“It comes with a huge amount of responsibility and all I can
say is that I’m passionate about rugby, passionate about New
Zealand, passionate about the All Blacks jersey and its’ legacy,
and I look forward to the next two years with this team and
taking it forward and enhancing that legacy.”
The former Canterbury midfield back, who has carved out a
niche as forwards coach, was the only candidate put forward for
formal interview at the NZRU board meeting on Friday.
The NZRU said they were in negotiations with people who
Hansen had identified as preferred members of his coaching staff
but would not reveal their names.
Continued…
