WHO IS SCOTT HANSEN, THE NEW ALL BLACK ASSISTANT COACH?
If you played club rugby in Christchurch in the 1990s, a nippy Marist No 9 called Scott Hansen was a familiar figure on the city’s grounds.
For those who had to go up against the Marist (the club later merged with Albion) senior team during that era, there was more than a hint of envy amongst opposition halfbacks if they got trampled by the juggernaut green and white pack.
Slight of build, and in possession of a swift pass, Hansen was a good fit for the dominant Marist side. He later made 12 appearances for Canterbury in the mid-1990s and one for the Crusaders in 1996, before a young tyro from Mataura called Justin Marshall made his presence felt.
When Hansen finished playing, he pivoted towards coaching in a variety of roles in New Zealand, England and Japan. Hansen also worked as the Linwood club manager from 2007, coached the seniors from 2009 and several Canterbury age-group teams.
It’s no coincidence that ex-All Blacks such as Owen Franks, a former Linwood player, speak highly of Hansen’s work ethic.
When Scott Robertson, now his boss at the Crusaders, asked Hansen to join his staff at Canterbury in 2013 and 2014, it sparked a trusted relationship that has endured.
Next year they will combine their skills with the All Blacks. Robertson will be head coach, with Leon MacDonald, Jason Holland and Hansen as his assistants.
Hansen’s rugby education may have been polished during his involvement with numerous professional teams (the Japan and Canadian national sides, English club Leicester Tigers and the Crusaders), but he says it was the father of ex-All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen (no relation) who offered valuable insights.
It was at the home of the late Des Hansen, a well-known figure at Marist and highly regarded for his coaching skills, where the good oil was to be found.
In 2019 Hansen, who also worked with the now-defunct Sunwolves in Super Rugby, was a member of Jamie Joseph’s coaching staff with Japan at the World Cup. He says he won’t be returning to that role for the tournament in France in September and October.
The Crusaders-Blues-and Hurricanes, will all be looking for new Super Rugby Pacific coaches next year with Leon McDonald, Jason Holland, and Scott Hansen, all joining the new coaching panel along with head coach, Scott Robertson, for the All Black team after this years World Cup.
Send your resume now.
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