All Blacks coaching legend Steve Hansen makes dramatic code switch

Australian National Rugby League (NRL) outfit Manly Sea Eagles have appointed World Cup-winning coach Steve Hansen as their football performance director.

Hansen will work closely with Sea Eagles head coach Kieran Foran, CEO Jason King, and the club’s football department, as they look to utilise the former All Blacks boss’ experience in creating a winning culture after a disappointing season.

Manly finished ninth on the 17-team NRL ladder.

“To have someone of Steve Hansen’s experience, knowledge and proven record of building winning cultures joining our football department is a massive opportunity for this club,” Foran said.

“I have enormous respect for Steve and what he has achieved.

“He is one of the greatest sporting minds of his generation, and I am incredibly excited to work with him and learn from him.

“We don’t want to simply talk about getting better, we want to put the right people and structures in place to make it happen,” Foran added.

“Steve brings an incredible level of experience and insight, and I know he will challenge all of us to think bigger, raise our standards and become better.”

The 67-year-old enjoyed an 87% win rate in 107 Tests in charge of the All Blacks between 2012-2019, and led them to victory in the 2015 World Cup.

On leaving the All Blacks, Hansen worked in Japan with Toyota Verblitz, firstly as Director of Rugby and then for the final two years as head coach, before stepping down in May.

Hansen is following in the footsteps of other rugby union heavyweights to join the NRL, with former Wallabies and Pumas coach Michael Cheika assisting at the Sydney Roosters this season, having previously worked with the Lebanese RL national team.

“I’m really excited to be joining the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and to be part of a club that is steeped in history, success and a strong sporting identity,” said Hansen.

“There is a lot to like about what Manly is building, and I’m particularly looking forward to working with Kieran and CEO Jason King.”