NZRU 'no' to Hansen
Assistant 'too valuable' to All Blacks
Last updated: 6th July 2008
Hansen: Application rejected
All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen has had his application to lead the Canterbury Crusaders turned down by the New Zealand Rugby Union.
NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said they did not think Hansen could do justice to both the Super 14 champions and the national side at the same time.
"Both roles required a dedicated focus and out of respect for Steve and, in particular, what he contributes to the All Blacks environment, it was felt that he needed to be focused on one rather than two teams," Tew said.
"The decision also reflected the board's regard for Steve not only as an All Blacks assistant coach but also as a team selector, an asset that would have been lost to the All Blacks in the dual coaching proposal."
Hansen's withdrawal has left four candidates on the shortlist to take over from Robbie Deans, who is now in charge of Australia.
Super 14 Top 6
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crusaders | 12 | 52 |
| 2 | Hurricanes | 13 | 41 |
| 3 | Blues | 13 | 40 |
| 4 | NSW Waratahs | 12 | 39 |
| 5 | Stormers | 12 | 37 |
| 6 | Sharks | 12 | 37 |
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