World cup winning coach steps down

65-year-old World Cup winner Graham Henry has bowed out of international rugby on a high after guiding New Zealand to their second World Cup after a 24 year wait.

A week after winning the most prestigious international award, Henry has decided to end his 8 year reign as coach of New Zealand and maybe switch to European club coaching later this year.

Last weekend the Kiwis edged a closely-fought match in the final against France and winningly narrowly 8-7 on home soil in Auckland.

This retirement has come at no surprise as he hinted about quitting at the press conference after the match.

Many are delighted at his choice to stay in rugby as he has brought so much to the game. Winning an incredible 5 Tri-nations and 3 grand slams against the northern hemisphere teams in the home nations tour every November.

His managerial record is arguably one of the best as he won 88 out of 103 tests since starting as coach in 2003, working at an outstanding 85% win percentage.

However, fans in Europe will be licking their lips as he fancies a coaching job in Europe but has even hinted at working for the RFU which will delight many fans.

But the New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew wants him to carry on working with them as a mentor to their nation’s best and brightest managerial talent.

However, the prospect of taking the challenge in Britain might prove that little bit too much to turn down.

He enjoyed a quick spell in charge of Wales winning the majority of games as coach there – 20 out of 34 – but Graham Henry isn’t going to rush into making a decision as he is catching up on greatly missed family life.

By James Wade

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