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The All Blacks’ era of unparalleled dominance on the international rugby scene is set to continue, with World Cup-winning coach Steve Hansen extending his contract until the end of the 2019 World Cup.
With a host New Zealand’s key players calling time on their international careers in the wake of the 2015 World Cup triumph, Hansen was expected to retire at the end of his previous contract, which was due to expire at the end of 2017.
However, he said the decision to stay on with the team was in the best interests of the All Blacks.
“I spoke to a number of players and management to get their thoughts on what would be right for the team going forward and I received unanimous feedback from them that it was right for me to continue,” he said.
Hansen’s unparalleled record of 52 wins from 57 Tests made it easy for the board to make a unanimous decision and renew the coach’s contract, NZR chief executive Steve Tew said on Monday.
“Steve’s winning record is unsurpassed in the modern era,” he said.
The board also highlighted Hansen’s ability to grow the team through selection and to inspire players to reach greater heights.
Hansen began his tenure with the All Blacks in 2004 when he was an assistant on Graham Henry’s coaching staff. When Henry retired after New Zealand’s 2011 World Cup triumph on home soil, Hansen was appointed to take the reigns of the champion side.
The transition didn’t see any drop-off in the performance of the All Blacks. New Zealand continued their stranglehold on the Bledisloe Cup and were rarely troubled on their way to a second-straight World Cup win last year.
With AAP
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