All Blacks Coach Steve Hansen Reappointed Through To 2019

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen has been reappointed through until 2019, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has confirmed today.

In making the announcement, NZR Chief Executive Steve Tew said it had been easy for the Board to make a unanimous decision to extend Hansen's current contract from 2017 through to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

He said Hansen and his fellow coaching and management team had overseen an unbelievably successful period of All Blacks rugby.

"Steve's winning record is unsurpassed in the modern era. Since becoming Head Coach in 2012, he has recorded 52 wins in his 57 Tests to date, with two draws and just three losses. That's remarkable and unparalleled in international rugby.

"While Steve has a fantastic winning record, equally positive has been his intuitive ability to continue growing the team through meticulous selection and rigorous preparation, and to inspire the players to reach even greater heights.

"He's also lead an era where the team have been outstanding ambassadors for fans both here and around the world. Rugby World Cup 2015 was a great example of a team that wanted to be successful both on and off the field and they recognised that they could achieve a lot by doing so."

Steve Tew added: "I think it's important at this time to also acknowledge Steve's long-term commitment to New Zealand Rugby. Apart from his stint with Wales in 2002-2004, he has spent his entire time coaching in New Zealand, stretching back to 1996 with Canterbury and the advent of professionalism.

"He continues to be a great servant and key figure not only in New Zealand but also internationally, and on behalf of New Zealand Rugby and the Board, including the All Blacks players and management, as well as the wider rugby community, I'd like to congratulate Steve on his reappointment."

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