“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.”
Former All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen (left) and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles coach Kieran Foran look forward to working together. Photo / Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Foran, who took over coaching duties mid-season, said he was excited to work alongside the World Cup-winning coach.
“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.”
Foran complimented the club on making a quick decision to hire Hansen and build towards next season.
“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,” Foran said.
“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.”
Hansen was coach of the All Blacks from 2012 to 2019, losing only 10 of 107 games and securing the 2015 Rugby World Cup title.
He has since taken roles in Japanese rugby and looked towards strategic leadership, mentoring and high-performance development jobs.
The Sea Eagles finished ninth on this year’s NRL ladder, one place outside a finals position.