All Blacks coach Hansen to stay on until 2019 World Cup

REUTERS: All Blacks Coach Steve Hansen set his sights on capturing a record third successive Rugby World Cup title after announcing on Monday he has extended his contract with the side through the 2019 tournament in Japan.

Hansen, who has helped bring unprecedented success to the All Blacks, had indicated after their successful World Cup defence in England last year that he would probably walk away after his original contract expired at the end of 2017.

However, he appeared to have had a change of heart this year and dropped hints that he could decide to stay on after the British and Irish Lions tour in 2017.

Hansen said on Monday he had finalised his decision after talking it over with his family and New Zealand Rugby (NZR), and gauging the support of senior players.

“It’s not a decision that was made easily or lightly,” Hansen told reporters in Wellington. “I had to be certain, but having got the feedback from management and the players that they wanted me to continue ... it was a no brainer. The 57-year-old has been involved with the team since becoming an assistant to Graham Henry in 2004 and took the top job following the successful World Cup campaign at home in 2011.

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen arrives for the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham in London – Reuters

The All Blacks, who open their Rugby Championship campaign on Aug. 20 against the Wallabies in Sydney, have had unprecedented success since Hansen took over, compiling a record of 52 wins, three losses and two draws.