New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew said it had been straightforward for the board to make a unanimous decision to extend Hansen’s current contract from 2017 through to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Tew praised the work Hansen and his management team had done in his tenure which has been an unprecedented period of All Blacks rugby.
"Steve’s winning record is unsurpassed in the modern era. Since becoming Head Coach in 2012, he has recorded 52 wins in his 57 Tests to date, with two draws and just three losses. That’s remarkable and unparalleled in international rugby."
Tew noted Hansen’s work off the field as well.
"He’s also lead an era where the team have been outstanding ambassadors for fans both here and around the world. Rugby World Cup 2015 was a great example of a team that wanted to be successful both on and off the field and they recognised that they could achieve a lot by doing so."
The 57-year-old Hansen said he was very honoured and grateful to the New Zealand Rugby Board and Steve Tew to be given the opportunity to extend his contract.
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