The New Zealand Rugby Union plans to announce the new All Blacks coach in Wellington tomorrow afternoon following the final board meeting of the year.

Steve Hansen is widely tipped to be appointed as Rugby World Cup winner Graham Henry’s successor though France-based Vern Cotter shapes as a strong and genuine challenger.
 
It’s unclear how long the successful applicant will be appointed for, or whether the NZRU will also name the All Blacks assistant coaching staff.

Though it took just 20 minutes for Henry to be reappointed in 2007, the board reserves the right to postpone its decision and adjourn for the night if they are not convinced.
 
Hansen has long been linked with former Chiefs coach Ian Foster and former Canterbury coach and close friend Aussie McLean, while current All Blacks kicking coach Mick Byrne has expressed his desire to move into a more senior role with the forwards.
 
Henry, Hansen and Wayne Smith, now in an assistant’s role with the Chiefs, have guided the All Blacks for the past eight years and won the Rugby World Cup at the second try this year after tripping up in the quarterfinals in 2007.


Story by: Dhanjay Deo