The odds of All Blacks coach Steve Hansen extending his contract through the next World Cup in Japan appear to be shortening after he said yesterday he was probably to stay on.
After guiding New Zealand to World Cup triumph last year, Hansen had said he was in favour of handing over to someone else when his contract expires at the end of 2017.
Hansen told Fairfax, however, that he would probably have a better idea on his future when the team assembles for a three‑match series against Warren Gatland's Wales side in June.
New captain Kieran Read has already said he hoped Hansen stayed until 2019, while New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew has said he was keen on the coach going through until Japan hosts Asia's first World Cup.
Hansen has been involved with the team since 2004, first as an assistant under Graham Henry until 2011 before taking the top job in 2012.
The team has enjoyed an unprecedented period of success under Hansen, having won 49 of their 54 matches.
They also became the first side to win successive World Cups last year and the first team to win the tournament three times, though going for a third World Cup victory in a row was not the over‑riding goal.
Source: radionz
