Hansen to retire next year
Steve Hansen today confirmed his reign as Wales coach will end when his contract runs out after the forthcoming Six Nations campaign.
Hansen, who took charge of Wales when fellow Kiwi Graham Henry resigned halfway through the 2002 Six Nations campaign, always maintained he would return home to be with his family when his current deal expired next April.
Wales have won only nine of 26 Tests under Hansen but enjoyed an encouraging World Cup in Australia where they produced inspired performances against New Zealand and eventual winners England.
Welsh Rugby Union chief executive David Moffett has indicated the bid to find a successor to Hansen will start before Christmas.
Scarlets coach Gareth Jenkins and Dragons coach Mike Ruddock will be seen as the leading candidates.
Hansen’s backroom staff – skills coach Scott Johnson and fitness coach Andrew Hore – are contracted to Wales beyond this season’s Six Nations.
