Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has confirmed his next job will be as a coaching consultant at Japan Top League club Toyota Verblitz.
One of the most successful coaches in Test history, Hansen has been contracted on a part-time basis.
He will work with Dan Cron, the Kiwi who became Toyota Verblitz head coach after finishing as an assistant at the Waratahs this year.
Hansen has been linked with the club since announcing a year ago he would end his 16-year association with the All Blacks after the Rugby World Cup.
The 60-year-old refused to reveal his plans in the wake of New Zealand’s third-placed finish in Japan.
“I’ve got a new job which involves me mentoring, consulting and advising at Toyota Verblitz,” Hansen told All Blacks TV on Monday.
“The reason I couldn’t say before was because there wasn’t a contract signed.
“It’s not as a head coach, it’s more as an advisor, a mentor and it requires me to be up there for five to 17 weeks a year.”
Hansen has a long-standing friendship with Cron, the nephew of veteran All Blacks scrum coach Mike Cron, and hopes his involvement with the youngster will improve his stocks as a coach.
“The opportunity to help him grow is something that really excites me. While we want a winning Toyota Verblitz team, we also want an environment at the club that people can be proud of and that can be like a family,” Hansen said.
“All like the sort of thing we had in the All Blacks or what’s normal for any rugby team. If I can help in any way to try to create that, then that would be important, too.”
Hansen was All Blacks head coach for 107 Tests across eight years, notching a remarkable 93 wins, along with four draws and 10 losses.
He oversaw the 2015 Rugby World Cup triumph, matching his 2011 feat as an assistant coach under Graham Henry.
Harry Selassie
Roar Rookie
5-17 weeks per year? Not a bad semi retirement position for Steve Hansen!
Chufortah
Guest
True... he doesn’t have anything to do with the NZRU. But he’s a shrewd judge and wouldn’t mentor anyone would he? Call it conspiracy call it what you want but I just hope after Japan we get one of the most promising coaches back to Australia.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
He might learn something from Nathan Grey.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Hanson doesn't work for the NZRU though.
Chufortah
Guest
Hansen is mentoring him.... he’s on their radar. Just my thoughts no official release. To be fair the Tahs did try and hold onto him, but preferred Gibson for one more year of mediocrity
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
How are the AB's grooming him? He's not involved in any part of the NZRU system.
Chufortah
Guest
It’s Simon Cron, not Dan. The SMH got this wrong and it seems the mistake has been copied. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/112334972/all-blacks-coach-steve-hansen-to-take-simon-cron-with-him-to-toyota-verblitz Ok so I just be the only one in Australia to think Simon Cron leaving the Tahs was a huge mistake? The ABs are grooming him, and they know quality not politics.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
There is a few Australian No. 10's off to Japan & hopefully they can take the discipline Shag will surely put in place.
Vman2
Roar Rookie
Good for him. Is this semi-retirement, or will he be juggling different part time jobs?
Smiggle Jiggle
Roar Guru
:shocked: