Henry stands down as All Blacks coach
Source: Agencies |
November 2, 2011, Wednesday
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GRAHAM Henry stood down as coach of the All Blacks yesterday, nine days after securing his legacy as one of rugby's coaching greats by guiding New Zealand to a second World Cup triumph on home soil.
The 65-year-old, whose team beat France 8-7 in the final to end a 24-year wait for a second title, said he "had enough" after eight years in a job considered the second-most scrutinized after that of Prime Minister. "It has been a privilege to be involved in the All Blacks," he said in Auckland. "I'm very proud of what they've done over the last eight years. They have certainly added to the legacy of All Blacks rugby."
As well as the World Cup triumph, Henry steered the All Blacks to 88 wins in 103 tests, clinched five Tri-Nations titles, swept the 2005 British and Irish Lions and completed grand slam tours in 2005, 2008 and 2010.
"I'd just like to say thanks to the guys who have played over those eight years, those 103 tests," he added. "Especially thanks to Tana Umaga and Richie McCaw who were the long-term captains over that time."
Henry, linked with a possible role in the England set-up or a return to the Auckland Blues where he enjoyed great success before moving into test rugby, said he would be making no immediate announcement on his future plans. Forwards coach Steve Hansen is now expected to succeed his mentor as coach and the New Zealand Rugby Union said it was discussing a role for Henry as a coaching mentor in New Zealand.
"He has a great relationship with the country's professional coaches, as well as other coaches, and he still has so much to offer the game and it's fantastic that up-and-coming New Zealand coaches will continue to benefit from his vast knowledge," said NZRU chief Steve Tew.
The 65-year-old, whose team beat France 8-7 in the final to end a 24-year wait for a second title, said he "had enough" after eight years in a job considered the second-most scrutinized after that of Prime Minister. "It has been a privilege to be involved in the All Blacks," he said in Auckland. "I'm very proud of what they've done over the last eight years. They have certainly added to the legacy of All Blacks rugby."
As well as the World Cup triumph, Henry steered the All Blacks to 88 wins in 103 tests, clinched five Tri-Nations titles, swept the 2005 British and Irish Lions and completed grand slam tours in 2005, 2008 and 2010.
"I'd just like to say thanks to the guys who have played over those eight years, those 103 tests," he added. "Especially thanks to Tana Umaga and Richie McCaw who were the long-term captains over that time."
Henry, linked with a possible role in the England set-up or a return to the Auckland Blues where he enjoyed great success before moving into test rugby, said he would be making no immediate announcement on his future plans. Forwards coach Steve Hansen is now expected to succeed his mentor as coach and the New Zealand Rugby Union said it was discussing a role for Henry as a coaching mentor in New Zealand.
"He has a great relationship with the country's professional coaches, as well as other coaches, and he still has so much to offer the game and it's fantastic that up-and-coming New Zealand coaches will continue to benefit from his vast knowledge," said NZRU chief Steve Tew.
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