Graham Henry is poised to step down as All Blacks coach in the coming days.

Sources close to the team confirmed Henry had made his decision, but had delayed announcing it so as not to detract from the World Cup victory parades which ended in Wellington yesterday.

The 65 year old will bow out with a remarkable 85% success rate (88 wins from 103 tests as All Blacks coach) and, in his words, “inner peace” after guiding them to Sunday’s 8-7 win over France in the final.

It leaves the way clear for assistant Steve Hansen to take over as head coach.

Hansen and NZRU chief executive Steve Tew both said yesterday they knew of Henry’s decision but were tight lipped.

Tew said the new coach would be confirmed before Christmas.

Outgoing Chiefs coach Ian Foster, who has turned down coaching jobs in Europe and Japan, is understood to be Hansen’s preferred running mate.


Story by: Dreu Vukailagi