STEVE HANSEN WILL remain as All Blacks coach until the end of 2017 after signing a two-year extension with the New Zealand Rugby Union.
Hansen – who has masterminded wins in 38 of his 42 Tests in charge of New Zealand – has been in charge of the world champions since 2011 and is already looking forward to leading his side against the British and Irish Lions in 2017.
The news will be welcomed by Irish rugby fans with many expecting current Ireland boss Joe Schmidt to one day return to his native team as head coach.
In a press release from the NZRU, Hansen said:
“I am honoured by the faith and confidence the Board has shown in me by offering an extension to my contract.
“Whilst I am well aware that there is a lot of work to do, I am really looking forward to the future, starting with 2015 and the opportunity and challenge that awaits us at the Rugby World Cup.
“2016 will bring its own challenges with a number of senior players likely to be moving on and then 2017, when the British and Irish Lions tour, which will be massive.”
New Zealand are currently 6/4 favourites to retain the World Cup next year.
