Steve Hansen
Convincing Steve Hansen to extend his contract after the 2015 World Cup would ensure the All Blacks aren’t exposed by the exit of their experienced players, says Mike Eagle.
Eagle, who was New Zealand Rugby’s chairman between 2010 and early 2014, understands supporters may be nervous about the All Blacks coach being reappointed ahead of next year’s global tournament – something that has never happened before – but believed it should be endorsed.
Last month NZ Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said discussions with Hansen, who replaced Graham Henry as head coach in 2012, were well underway and it was up to Hansen to decide if he wanted to sign a new deal.
While he hadn’t been privy to the discussions between Tew and the board, Eagle said it would foolish to wait until after the World Cup to start searching for a new coach if Hansen was prepared to stay.
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“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know there are going to be quite a few experienced players who will exit after this World Cup,” Eagle said.
“We know that for sure. So why wouldn’t you leave Steve Hansen there to bring through the younger ones he has already introduced to the team? Better the apple you know than the apple you don’t.”
Senior players Richie McCaw, Tony Woodcock, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Keven Mealamu and Dan Carter may retire from international rugby after the tournament.
“If it’s going to happen it’s got to be right for the team and got to be right for the family,” Hansen said after the All Blacks beat Wales in Cardiff on November 22.
“I don’t want it to be dragging on well into next year. I want it done as soon as possible if it’s going to happen.”
Although none of the parties have publicly stated when a decision – one way or another – will be made, Hansen won’t want it to interfere with his World Cup preparations.
The NZ Rugby board is set to meet in Auckland next week. The country’s provincial chairmen and chief executives are also invited to gather in the city ahead of the annual awards evening.
Hansen, who spent eight years as Henry’s assistant between 2004-11, has carved out a fine record as the All Blacks have maintained their place as the world’s No 1 team. Under his guidance they have won 38 tests, drawn two and lost two.
“We would be foolish to let him go,” Tew said last month.