Hansen won't coach Crusaders
Jul 6, 2008
Hansen won't coach Crusaders | ALL BLACKS | ONE SPORT | tvnz.co.nz

The New Zealand Rugby Union Board has decided against granting dispensation to All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen to apply to take up the Crusaders coaching role while remaining in his role with the All Blacks.

Under current NZRU policy, an All Blacks coach cannot also be a Rebel Sport Super 14 coach without Board approval.

NZRU CEO Steve Tew said the Board considered the matter thoroughly and discussed the approach directly with Hansen.

The Board indicated that it felt that both roles required a dedicated focus and out of respect for Steve and, in particular, what he contributes to the All Blacks environment, it was felt that he needed to be focused on one rather than two teams, he said.

The decision also reflected the Boards regard for Steve not only as an All Blacks assistant coach but also as a team selector, an asset that would have been lost to the All Blacks in the dual coaching proposal.

Steve Hansen said that while disappointed with the outcome, he understands and accepts the Boards decision. He said he would withdraw his application to coach the Crusaders and remains committed to the All Blacks.

Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach said: While we are disappointed that a coach of Steves ability isnt available to us for consideration for the job, we understand the NZRUs perspective. We still have a very high-quality group of coaches in the mix for the role.

The NZRU and Crusaders will shortly be interviewing candidates for the Crusaders coach and assistant coach roles.