Rugby: NZRU confirms signing of Henry

Graham Henry. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Sir Graham Henry has had his role of coaching the coaches confirmed after the World Cup winning coach signed a part-time deal with the New Zealand Rugby Union until the end of 2013.

Henry had already started the role, having dropped into Blues training last week, and he will continue to mentor coaches at both Super Rugby and ITM Cup level. He stepped down from the All Blacks following last year's World Cup and has been replaced by former assistant Steve Hansen.

"We are delighted to have Sir Graham involved in helping to develop our top coaches and to help them grow to the next level,'' NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said. "He obviously brings a huge wealth of experience - and unparalleled success - after eight years as coach of the All Blacks and his insights will be invaluable for our high performance coaches.''

Henry was linked to a number of jobs following the World Cup, including taking over as England coach, but signalled last year his intention and interest in staying in New Zealand to work with coaches here.

"Even going back to my time as a teacher and headmaster, I have been keen to help people grow and develop their skills and to now move into a position of mentoring our leading coaches is something I'm really looking forward to,'' he said. "New Zealand has an outstanding crop of up-and-coming international coaches and if I can play a small part in helping them develop then I will.''

Henry finished his All Blacks tenure as one of the most successful rugby coaches of all time. He coached the All Blacks to 88 wins in 103 tests for a winning percentage of 85.4 per cent.

He's also helped furnish the NZRU trophy cabinet. As well as winning Rugby World Cup 2011, the All Blacks have held the Bledisloe Cup every year since 2003, won the Tri Nations five times and achieved three Grand Slams against the northern hemisphere home unions.