Sir Stephen Hansen, renowned former head coach of the All Blacks, has been appointed Football Performance Director for the Manly Sea Eagles.
His hiring aims to enhance the club's football strategies as they look forward to a new era beginning in 2027.
Hansen held a remarkable 87 percent winning rate during his tenure with the New Zealand national team from 2012 to 2019, suffering only 10 losses out of 107 Tests.
This impressive track record positions him as a prominent figure in sports coaching, with numerous accolades to his name.
Kieran Foran, the Sea Eagles' head coach, expressed his enthusiasm about Hansen joining the team, stating, "To have someone of Steve Hansen's experience, knowledge and proven record of building winning cultures joining the football department is a massive opportunity for this Club."
Foran added, "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."
During his time with the All Blacks, Hansen led the team to victory in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, an achievement that marked the first successful title defense in rugby history.
After stepping down from his coaching position, he has focused on mentorship roles within Japanese rugby.
Hansen acknowledges the Sea Eagles' storied legacy and is eager to contribute to its ongoing success.