Hansen in hat for Crusaders job
Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:20
All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen has added his name to the contenders for the Crusaders' coaching role, confident that he can take on both positions.
Hansen has confirmed he was looking to succeed the successful Robbie Deans at the Crusaders while maintaining his specialist role as the forwards coach with the All Blacks.
"What I'd like to do is do both jobs," he told Radio Sport on Thursday.
"It's an opportunity for me to do a bit of head coaching if I got the job and also keep my role with the All Blacks. I really enjoy coaching with Wayne [Smith] and Graham [Henry] - it just allows you to have further challenges, that's why we coach.
Hansen is also seen as Henry's likely replacement as he, Henry and Smith were re-appointed in 2007 for another two years at the helm of the All Blacks.
Deans' assistant Mark Hammett and Tasman's Todd Blackadder were earlier considered as the main contenders to take over the Crusaders.
With Hansen's name now in the ring, his experience would seem to overshadow the other two, though the Canterbury Rugby Union (CRU) will be short-listing applicants on Friday.
"I've put my name in the hat and I'm in discussions with both, mainly with the New Zealand Rugby Union [NZRU] to establish whether they're happy with me to do both roles," Hansen added.
Hansen is no stranger to the Christchurch franchise, having played for Canterbury and coached the National Provincial Championships (NPC) side to title successes in 1997 and 2001, as well as being Deans assistant at the Crusaders when they won Super 12 titles in 2000 and 2001.
