Hansen to retire after the WC

The following from News24:-

"All Blacks coach Steve Hansen announced on Friday that he will retire after next year's Rugby World Cup in Japan, saying the world champions needed some "fresh thinking".

"I think it's right for the team to have someone new after the World Cup, some fresh eyes, some fresh thinking," he told reporters.

Hansen took over in late 2011 after working as Graham Henry's assistant for seven years and guided the All Blacks to World Cup victory in 2015.

The team has had a mortgage on rugby's number one ranking under his stewardship, never relinquishing the top spot. 

He record as head coach is 85 Test victories, eight losses and three draws, a win rate of almost 90 percent. 

"His record is unsurpassed... whatever happens next in Steve's career, his place as a New Zealand rugby legend is guaranteed," New Zealand Rugby chairperson Brent Impey said.

Hansen's departure will start a scramble for his position, with his assistant Ian Foster and Ireland coach Joe Schmidt considered the frontrunners to replace him.

"I've got opinions but for once in my life I'll keep those opinions to myself because I don't think it's helpful for the process," Hansen said when asked about a successor.

During his tenure, Hansen has displayed a keen eye for talent and instilled a team ethos of constant improvement.

It paid off after 2015, when a string of legendary players including Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith retired but the All Blacks' success continued with barely a ripple.

He had originally intended to step down in 2017, mid-way through the World Cup cycle, but New Zealand Rugby persuaded him to extend his contract until 2019.

He was adamant this time the decision to retire was final.

"What's next? I don't know. So don't bother asking," he said, adding that his priority was to guide the All Blacks to a third straight World Cup in Japan.

A former policeman, Hansen coached domestically with Canterbury and was an assistant at Super Rugby level before moving to Wales in 2001 to work under Henry.

He took over the top job in Cardiff in 2002 but had mixed results before returning to New Zealand two years later to again work as Henry's offsider, this time with the All Blacks."

Wonder who will take over in his case after a glorious career as a coach?   Smith of Ireland is also retiring - but it would be interesting to see who will be the new coach,     

I think Joe Schmidt will take over. Eventually. Maybe Ian Foster first, but Schmidt after that. He is too good a coach to ignore.

Welcome to the site - SkyLockNo5.

Will Schmidt not be on the elderly side if he has to wait for Foster having at least a 4 year stint.   Anyway as far as I could make out Schmidt declared he is not interested in the AB job, but the media seems to think he may join the que a bit later.     

No, Schmidt is not going to be the next AB coach,... he said very clearly that he's going to quit coaching for some time,... his 16 yo son had a brain tumour and needs special care,... which seems to be better served in London,... he's not going to continue at the helm of the Irish team either no matter what happens next WC,... his succesor has been officially named,.... his current assistant Andy Farrell,... so that's a closed chapter

Most of the pundits and commentators were saying that it was a done deal that Schmidt would take charge of the AB come 2021,... 2 years after the WC,... and that Hansen was going to sign an extension untill then,.... as usual, they were all wrong,... no Hansen, no Schmidt

So the main contenders for the AB most impòrtant post will be Ian Foster, Warren Gatland, Vern Cotter, Jamie Joseph, Dave Rennie and Scott Robertson,...

Ian Foster,... his experience as head coach was horrible (Chiefs) ,... since then he's been the AB assistant,.... seems not enough,... even Hansen didn't endorse him and said the AB need fresh air

Gatland,... the most experienced international head coach of the lot,.... his work with the Lions impeccable,... but seems England is behind him to succeed Eddie Jones after the WC

Cotter and Joseph have a decent international experience,... especially Cotter who made Scotland competitive again,... but both seem to be a bit stalled atm,... Cotter at Montpellier and Joseph with both the Sunwolves and Japan

both Dave Rennie and Scott Robertson lack international experience,... but compensate it with their tactical nous and achievements as club head coaches

I've the feeling that is going to be Robertson,... I would hate it as crusaders fan,... but as an AB fan think is probably the best option,... as Hansen put it:

"we've always said it's about the team first and it's right for the team to have someone new after this World Cup. Some fresh eyes, fresh thinking … whether that's within or outside, whoever the replacement is it will be fresh"

and who's fresher than Robertson?.... fresh character, fresh tactical approach, fresh methods,....

Maybe you are right,   the Crusaders did very well this year and I believe that Hansen - an ex-Crusader coach himself - would prefer a Crusader coach to succeed him.

It also seems to me that Robertson is still relatively young and the AB's may prefer a coach that could last to 2027.

Problm is hw will prefer Crusader players in the squad and that may not be liked in the rest of NZ.