The Sea Eagles have added some rugby union royalty to their ranks, with legendary All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen unveiled as the club’s new football performance director.

Manly has made several changes to its staff, with NSW Cup coach Brett Kimmorley and head of football Peter Gentle reportedly set to leave just days after their season ended.

Rookie coach Kieran Foran will benefit greatly from the added experience given the former playmaker started the year as an assistant, was made interim when Anthony Seibold was moved on, and then signed a new deal to become Manly’s long-term leader.

Hansen was coach of the New Zealand rugby side from 2012-19 and won 87 per cent of his Tests.

He will work with Foran, chief executive Jason King and the club’s football department to put cultures in place that will help the Sea Eagles return to the finals.

“I’m really excited to be joining the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and to be part of a club that is steeped in history, success and a strong sporting identity,” Hansen said.

“There is a lot to like about what Manly is building, and I’m particularly looking forward to working with Kieran and CEO Jason King.”

Since leaving the All Blacks, Hansen has been focused on strategic leadership and high-performance development, with his success on the world stage to be priceless for Foran who endured a rollercoaster first year.

The Sea Eagles finished ninth but were the hard-luck story of the season after they lost four games by a point.

“To have someone of Steve Hansen’s experience, knowledge and proven record of building winning cultures joining our football department is a massive opportunity for this club,” Foran said.

“I have enormous respect for Steve and what he has achieved. He is one of the greatest sporting minds of his generation, and I am incredibly excited to work with him and learn from him.

“We don’t want to simply talk about getting better, we want to put the right people and structures in place to make it happen.

“Steve brings an incredible level of experience and insight, and I know he will challenge all of us to think bigger, raise our standards and become better.”

Originally published as ‘Greatest sporting minds of his generation’: Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen joins Sea Eagles