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Steve Hansen's advice to incoming All Blacks coach: 'He's gotta be himself'

December 10, 2019

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has passed on one final bit of advice to his successor, with New Zealand Rugby now in the process of finding his replacement.

Having been involved with the All Blacks across various roles since 2004, Hansen has now officially vacated his role as coach of world rugby's most successful side.

In his place, New Zealand Rugby are currently interviewing candidates to take over from the double World Cup winner.

Hansen's long-time assistant Ian Foster and Crusaders coach Scott Robertson are believed to be the two front runners vying for the job.

Speaking to All Blacks TV, Hansen offered up some words of advice for whoever gets the job. New Zealand Rugby is expected to announce the new coach by Christmas.

"Leadership is about influencing through relationship," Hansen said.

"It's not about how much IQ you've got, it's about how much EQ [emotional quotient] you've got.

"Understanding the environment you're in is going to be important, building relationships within that. Getting your team around you right [is] also really important, and what roles you want them to do."

Hansen also urged that whoever takes over from him not alter anything about themselves as a coach.

"By and large, the big thing is he's got to be himself.

"If he does that, then people will get in behind him."

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