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Graham Henry says he would talk to the RFU about 'development' role

World Cup-winning coach Graham Henry has only been unemployed since the weekend but he is already plotting a return to the world of rugby.

HAVING COACHED THE All Blacks to their first World Cup victory in 24 years, Graham Henry says he would now be interested in taking on a role with the RFU in England.

The 65-year-old wants to stay involved in the game and told the Daily Telegraph that he could not imagine ‘not doing anything.’ He left his role with New Zealand after they beat France to lift the Webb Ellis trophy last Sunday.

“Yes, I would talk to the RFU, sure. I couldn’t just not do anything. I would love to help other people,” he insisted.

“I’m particularly proud about the environment we created in this All Blacks team. I would love to work in coach development, player development, environmental development, cultural development of a group of people. I’m passionate about that.”

Having coached New Zealand during their unsuccessful 2007 World Cup – when they were beaten by France in the quarter-finals – Henry feels it would be wrong for the RFU to sack Martin Johnson because of what happened in New Zealand.

“Too many people with real ability get shot because of a result,” he said.

“Replacing a coach because of a result or because of public pressure or media pressure is not the right thing to do. Replacing a coach because he’s not good enough is the right thing to do. Look at all the successful coaches around the world. They’ve got longevity.”

Read the full story over on the Daily Telegraph’s website >

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