NZRU keen to keep Hansen Black
Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:12
The New Zealand Rugby Union Board have blocked All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen from applying for the position of Crusaders coach, while remaining in his role with the All Blacks.
Under current NZRU policy, an All Blacks coach cannot also be a Super 14 coach without Board approval.
NZRU Chief Executive Officer Steve Tew said the Board considered the matter thoroughly and discussed the approach directly with Hansen.
"The Board indicated that it felt that both roles required a dedicated focus and out of respect for Steve and, in particular, what he contributes to the All Blacks environment, it was felt that he needed to be focused on one rather than two teams," he said.
"The decision also reflected the Board's regard for Steve not only as an All Blacks assistant coach but also as a team selector, an asset that would have been lost to the All Blacks in the dual coaching proposal."
Steve Hansen said that while disappointed with the outcome, he understands and accepts the Board's decision.
He said he would withdraw his application to coach the Crusaders and remains committed to the All Blacks.
Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach said: "While we are disappointed that a coach of Steve's ability isn't available to us for consideration for the job, we understand the NZRU's perspective. We still have a very high-quality group of coaches in the mix for the role."
The NZRU and Crusaders will shortly be interviewing candidates for the Crusaders coach and assistant coach roles.
