Steve Hansen, a renowned figure in international rugby, is set to join the NRL's Manly club as the football performance director.
Hansen is best known for leading New Zealand's All Blacks to a World Cup triumph in 2015 and winning the World Rugby Coach of the Year award multiple times.
During his tenure as All Blacks coach from 2012 to 2019, he achieved an impressive 97 percent win rate, only losing 10 out of 107 Tests.
Hansen's expertise in fostering a strong team culture will be invaluable as he collaborates with rookie coach Kieran Foran and the Manly football team.
Foran expressed his enthusiasm about Hansen's involvement, 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."
He continued, "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."
Hansen also considers Manly's prospects promising, noting, "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."
Additionally, he mentioned he looks forward to collaborating with Foran and CEO Jason King.
Previously, Hansen had a brief stint with the Wallabies ahead of the 2023 World Cup before serving as a consultant with Japan's Toyota Verblitz club.
His return to the NRL follows a short period in late 2020 with Canterbury, where he was brought in by former coach Trent Barrett.