mens
international
Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) Manly Sea Eagles have appointed World Cup-winning coach Steve Hansen as their Director of Football Performance.
Hansen will work closely with Sea Eagles head coach Kieran Foran, chief executive Jason King and the club’s football department as they look to capitalize on the previous All black people the boss’s experience in creating a winning culture after a disappointing season.
Manly finished ninth in the 17-team NRL standings.
“To have someone of Steve Hansen’s experience, knowledge and proven track record in building a winning culture join our football department is a great opportunity for this club,” said Foran.
“I have enormous respect for Steve and what he has achieved.
“He is one of the greatest sports minds of his generation and I am incredibly excited to work with him and learn from him.
“We don’t just want to talk about improvement, we want to put the right people and structures in place to make it happen,” added Foran.
“Steve brings an incredible level of experience and insight, and I know he will challenge us all 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 at the 2015 World Cup.
After leaving the All Blacks, Hansen worked Japan with Toyota Verblitz, first as director of rugby and then for the last two years as head coach, before retiring in May.
Hansen is following in the footsteps of other rugby heavyweights to join the NRL, with former Wallabies and Cougars coach Michael Cheika assisted the Sydney Roosters this season and 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 steeped in history, success and a strong sporting identity,” said Hansen.
“There’s a lot to like about what Manly is building and I’m particularly looking forward to working with Kieran and CEO Jason King.”