Steve Hansen to weigh in on his future before Rugby Championship

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said that he will consider his decision on his future as All Blacks coach prior to the Rugby Championship which begins in August.

Hansen, who led the All Blacks to their first World Cup victory on foreign soil in 2015 has earlier stated that he will step down from the post by 2017 when his contract ends. However, the 57-year-old recently said he will reconsider his decision again taking into consideration the best interest of the team as well as his personal life.

“I'm sure if we can sit down, something positive will come,” Hansen told the BBC.

“There's four things I've looked at. One is the family, is it right for them? Is it right for the team? Is it right for the rugby union, and can I still get up in the morning and motivate myself and the team to improve?

“So if I can't do all those things, I won't do it. If I still think I can do it and the players are keen on me to do it then I'll think about it.

“There's one or two I've just got to ask myself yet and we'll make a decision before the Rugby Championship.”

The former Wales coach has a phenomenal record during his stint with All Blacks having won 52 out of the 57 games ever since he took over the coaching in 2012 and recently his side completed a 3-0 series whitewash against Wales.

The former Canterbury centre expects current Wales coach Warren Gatland to lead the Lions team in New Zealand next year despite the phenomenal success of Eddie Jones with England.

“Gatland should be the frontrunner. He's taken the Lions away before and been successful with them, but who knows?” Hansen said. Gatland led the Lions' to a 2-1 series victory in Australia in 2013.

“Rugby politics is just about as bad as the real deal, so who would know what would happen over here.

“If you get it right then you've got something special. So they'll be tough if they get it right.”