Steve Hansen to quit All Blacks role after 2019 World Cup

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has confirmed that he will step down from his role with the All Blacks after the 2019 World Cup.

Hansen has been in charge of the New Zealand side since 2012 before which he held the position of assistant coach with the side for eight years.

"After being involved in the All Blacks for 16 years, I do feel it's right for the team for me to stand down," he said.

"I think change after the Rugby World Cup will bring a new outlook for the team and it'll be time for someone else to enhance the legacy of the All Blacks."

Hansen had already worked with Canterbury, Crusaders and Wales before he joined the New Zealand set up in 2004 and was named World Rugby coach of the year in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016 before guiding the All Blacks to a 2015 World Cup triumph where they defeated trans-Tasman rivals Australia in the final at Twickenham Stadium.

"As only people who have done the job will understand, there are not only heavy demands on yourself, but also on your family. My family has given me unreserved love and support over the last 16 years and I feel it's now time to make them the sole focus."

"It's been a huge privilege to be part of the All Blacks for such a long time and I'm really looking forward to, and excited by the challenges, of the next 12 months.

"We'll be attempting to do something that has never been done before - to win three consecutive Rugby World Cups. I'm highly motivated by that, as is the whole group, and we're really looking forward to it."

During his tenure as head coach, New Zealand also won Rugby Championship tournament in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018 and also clinched the Bledisloe Cup all the years between 2012 and 2018. The All Blacks also had stupendous success under him with the side named World Rugby Team of the Year in six out of the seven years he was in charge of before Ireland went on to win the award in 2018.

Hansen also stated that he wanted to let the New Zealand board of his decision early so that they can plan on his successor.

"This is a critical process which shouldn't be rushed and shouldn't be made in the turbulent period that tends to follow a Rugby World Cup campaign."