All Blacks launch recruitment process for Hansen replacement

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has announced the launch of its recruitment process to replace All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen, with an appointment to be made in December. 

Hansen’s eight-year tenure at the New Zealand helm ended following the Rugby World Cup bronze final win over Wales, a semi-final defeat to England having denied him a shot at a second title.

NZR confirmed the search for his successor was under way in a statement released on Wednesday, in which the organisation said it had invited “applications from a small group of coaches familiar with New Zealand’s professional rugby environment”.

Chairman Brent Impey revealed the process – conducted by a five-strong panel – would take place throughout November and next month, with a head coach announced prior to Christmas.

“This is a hugely exciting time for New Zealand Rugby,” said Impey. “We know that the All Blacks and New Zealand have been served well by exceptional coaches, so we are well aware of the importance of the task ahead.

“We believe we have an excellent group of people on the panel, balancing the experience of winning, high-performance teams and leadership with external perspective and experience.”

NEWS | The recruitment process for the next All Blacks Head Coach is underway.

READ MORE   https://t.co/opGGpvJexY pic.twitter.com/goqXKFG6bo

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 5, 2019

The panel consists of Impey, chief executive Mark Robinson, head of high performance Mike Anthony, ex-coach Graham Henry and high performance sport New Zealand director Waimarama Taumaunu.

KEO.co.za News wire is powered by opta