All Blacks coach Steve Hansen to step down after Rugby World Cup | CNN

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen to step down after Rugby World Cup

By George Ramsay, CNN
2 minute read
Updated 6:17 AM EST, Fri December 14, 2018
New Zealand became the first side to retain the Rugby World Cup after defeating Australia 34-17 in the final at Twickenham Stadium.
England, 2015 —
New Zealand became the first side to retain the Rugby World Cup after defeating Australia 34-17 in the final at Twickenham Stadium.
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
The All Blacks ended a 24-year drought when they lifted the Web Ellis trophy on home soil in 2011. Here, Ma'a Nonu greets raucous crowds during the victory parade in Wellington.
New Zealand, 2011 —
The All Blacks ended a 24-year drought when they lifted the Web Ellis trophy on home soil in 2011. Here, Ma'a Nonu greets raucous crowds during the victory parade in Wellington.
Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
South Africa claimed its second title in France in 2007, defeating England 6-15 at the Stade de France in Paris.
France, 2007 —
South Africa claimed its second title in France in 2007, defeating England 6-15 at the Stade de France in Paris.
Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
England became the first -- and to this day the only -- northern hemisphere side to win the World Cup in 2003 by defeating Australia 20-17 in Sydney. Fly-half Jonny Wilkinson struck the winning drop goal in extra-time.
Australia, 2003 —
England became the first -- and to this day the only -- northern hemisphere side to win the World Cup in 2003 by defeating Australia 20-17 in Sydney. Fly-half Jonny Wilkinson struck the winning drop goal in extra-time.
DAMIEN MEYER/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Australia's second World Cup victory in 1999 came eight years after its first. A 35-12 victory over France saw John Eales' side lift the trophy in Cardiff.
Wales, 1999 —
Australia's second World Cup victory in 1999 came eight years after its first. A 35-12 victory over France saw John Eales' side lift the trophy in Cardiff.
OLIVIER MORIN/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
It's one of rugby's most iconic images -- South African President Nelson Mandela presenting the World Cup to Springbok captain Francois Pienaar in 1995. The victory helped unite the nation shortly after the end of apartheid.
South Africa, 1995 —
It's one of rugby's most iconic images -- South African President Nelson Mandela presenting the World Cup to Springbok captain Francois Pienaar in 1995. The victory helped unite the nation shortly after the end of apartheid.
JEAN-PIERRE MULLER/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Australia first tasted World Cup victory in 1991 after narrowly defeating England 12-6 in the final.
England, 1991 —
Australia first tasted World Cup victory in 1991 after narrowly defeating England 12-6 in the final.
Russell Cheyne/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
The All Blacks won the inaugural Rugby World Cup on home soil in 1987. Captain David Kirk kisses the trophy following victory over France in Auckland.
New Zealand, 1987 —
The All Blacks won the inaugural Rugby World Cup on home soil in 1987. Captain David Kirk kisses the trophy following victory over France in Auckland.
GEORGES GOBET/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Rugby World Cup: The teams to lift the Webb Ellis trophy

Story highlights

Hansen to leave All Blacks after Japan 2019

Has been NZ head coach since 2012

Boasts a win record close to 90%

CNN  — 

He’s arguably the most successful manager in history with a win record of 88.5%, but All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has announced he will step down after next year’s Rugby World Cup.

New Zealander Hansen has led the All Blacks since 2012, a period that has seen them retain the World Cup in 2015 and win six Rugby Championship titles.

He joined the coaching setup in 2004 when he served as an assistant to Graham Henry. During his six-year tenure as head coach, Hansen’s side has remained the No. 1 ranked team in the world, winning 96 test matches and losing just eight.

Visit cnn.com/sport for more news and videos

“As only people who have done the job will understand, there are not only heavy demands on yourself, but also on your family,” 59-year-old Hansen explained.

“My family has given me unreserved love and support over the last 16 years and I feel it’s now time to make them the sole focus.

Hansen with former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.
Hansen with former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.
Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

“It’s been a huge privilege to be part of the All Blacks for such a long time and I’m really looking forward to, and excited by the challenges, of the next 12 months.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: Daniel Carter of the All Blacks takes a pass during a New Zealand All Blacks Captain's Run at Twickenham Stadium on October 23, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: Daniel Carter of the All Blacks takes a pass during a New Zealand All Blacks Captain's Run at Twickenham Stadium on October 23, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
video

Related video Dan Carter on Japanese rugby and New Zealand

“We’ll be attempting to do something that has never been done before – to win three consecutive Rugby World Cups. I’m highly motivated by that, as is the whole group, and we’re really looking forward to it.”

READ: Why are the All Blacks so good?

READ: Joe Schmidt to stand down as Ireland coach

Hansen is yet to announce whether he will stay in coaching beyond 2019.

With an 88.5% winning record, his New Zealand side has rarely been matched on the field. Yet recent months have seen the All Blacks stutter, going down 36-34 at home to South Africa in September, before a 16-9 defeat to Ireland in November.

That defeat to Ireland hinted at a potential power shift in international rugby, with Joe Schmidt’s side a serious contender to win next year’s World Cup.

Like his countryman Hansen, Ireland coach Schmidt also announced he would step away from coaching after Japan 2019 to spend more time with his family.