NPR

Former All Blacks coach joins Wallabies ahead of World Cup
By Tom Decent and Paul Cully
August 21, 2023 — 5.17pm



World Cup-winning All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has joined the Wallabies ahead of the upcoming Rugby World Cup after accepting a request from Eddie Jones to help out in France.

In one of the most unlikely coaching developments in recent years, Hansen is helping the Wallabies in an advisory role as they prepare for a warm-up match against France in Paris on Sunday.

Stars discuss new Wallabies era ahead of Rugby World Cup

Hansen, who led the All Blacks to victory over Australia in the 2015 World Cup final, has agreed to share some of his insights before the Wallabies kick off their campaign against Georgia on September 9.

Wallabies officials confirmed to this masthead that Hansen is in camp with the Wallabies before this weekend’s match against France. Hansen is expected to be with Australia for about a week.

Hansen, who has a long-standing friendship with Jones, is not being paid by Rugby Australia for the week.

Coaches from other teams and codes have been invited into the Wallabies set-up at various times during the year. The Wallabies say Hansen does not have an official role this week but is giving advice to Jones when necessary.

The 64-year-old has cast a watchful eye over Wallabies training as the team prepares for their first hit-out in France. Hansen has introduced himself to Wallabies players and staff and is providing feedback where possible to Jones.

Sources said Hansen has not been wearing official Wallabies attire but is expected to attend Sunday’s match at Stade de France. Whether he will sit in the Australian coaching box or watches from the stands is unclear.

Four years ago, Hansen and Jones squared off in the World Cup semi-final between New Zealand and England in Japan.

In one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, England beat New Zealand 19-7 to progress to the final, where they lost 32-12 to South Africa.

JM2K6 wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 11:01 am He's doing it for free as well

Ymx wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 10:20 am WTAF?!

He lumbered us with Foster, and pushed and pushed for him to be our head coach for this RWC.

Now he’s advising Jones!!

He’s been against us the whole bloody time. Hanging would be too good

Ymx wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 3:05 pm

JM2K6 wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 11:01 am He's doing it for free as well

I know. It’s actually even worse.

Enzedder wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 7:33 pm

Ymx wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 3:05 pm

JM2K6 wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 11:01 am He's doing it for free as well

I know. It’s actually even worse.

Nah, he's helping out a mate. It's what friends do.

Guy Smiley wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 5:16 pm

Ymx wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 10:20 am WTAF?!

He lumbered us with Foster, and pushed and pushed for him to be our head coach for this RWC.

Now he’s advising Jones!!

He’s been against us the whole bloody time. Hanging would be too good

Calm down princess. He's free to do whatever he wants, and he wants to get loaded.

The funniest thing about this is that people still promote Hansen as some sort of all seeing oracle on rugby matters. He's more your Jabba the Hutt as opposed to your Obi Wan Kenobi.

All Blacks hooker Dane Coles says he's shocked that former coach Steve Hansen is helping the Wallabies.

World Cup winner Hansen has accepted an invitation from Australia coach Eddie Jones and will join the Wallabies camp this week ahead of Sunday's warmup test against World Cup hosts France in Paris.

Coles, who is in London ahead of the All Blacks clash with South Africa at Twickenham this weekend, was caught off guard by the news.

"Yeah?" was Coles reaction when he was told by the media after today's All Blacks training session.

"What, actually? In camp, kind of set-up?

"Shag, what are you up to? That hurts a little bit, to be fair.

Dane Coles of the All BlacksDane Coles of the All Blacks Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"I'm actually gobsmacked. I know he's quite tight with Eddie - they're pretty good mates - but he's a bit of an icon in the All Blacks set-up.

"I'm a bit speechless, it's a bit disappointing, but we can't do much about that.

"He's a great man... I'm actually gobsmacked. I thought you guys were having a bit of a laugh.

"Hopefully he doesn't tell Eddie any of our secrets, but I think he'll be respectful. If he's respectful to the All Blacks - and I think he will be - there'll be no problems, but that's just me trying to process what you've just said."

Meanwhile loose forward Ardie Savea said "everyone has to do what they have to do, good on him."

Hansen has joined Australia in a short-term advisory role in the leadup to the Rugby World Cup after accepting an invitation from Wallabies coach Eddie Jones.

An Australia team spokesperson confirmed Hansen, who guided the All Blacks to their 2015 World Cup win in England, would be in camp this week ahead of Sunday's warmup test against World Cup hosts France in Paris.

Hansen is not being paid by Rugby Australia for what is expected to be a one-week stint, the spokesperson said.

Grandpa wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 9:28 pm So NZ have a spy in the Aussie camp? Masterstroke!

'Cancel his citizenship'

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins jokes former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen’s New Zealand citizenship should be under review after he confirmed his involvement with the Wallabies’ Rugby World Cup buildup.

Ymx wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 8:37 pm

Guy Smiley wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 5:16 pm

Ymx wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 10:20 am WTAF?!

He lumbered us with Foster, and pushed and pushed for him to be our head coach for this RWC.

Now he’s advising Jones!!

He’s been against us the whole bloody time. Hanging would be too good

Calm down princess. He's free to do whatever he wants, and he wants to get loaded.

The funniest thing about this is that people still promote Hansen as some sort of all seeing oracle on rugby matters. He's more your Jabba the Hutt as opposed to your Obi Wan Kenobi.

He’s not getting paid Guy.

Also what a kick in the nuts for his good friend Fozzy.