Arise Sir Steve Hansen
Outgoing NZR chief executive Steve Tew (ONZM) has been appointed Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to rugby and sports administration
ew Zealand Rugby (NZR) has officially welcomed its newest Knight, Sir Steve Hansen, and latest Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) Steve Tew, after both were named in the New Zealand Royal Honours list yesterday. Former All Blacks Head Coach Sir
Steve joins a small group of New Zealanders appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, recognising a remarkable career in coaching. Outgoing NZR chief executive Steve Tew (ONZM) has been appointed Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to rugby and sports administration. New Zealand Rugby chair Brent Impey congratulated both men on their appointments.
“Steve is one of the greatest ever All Black coaches, including playing a critical role in the back-toback World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015.
“His extraordinary skills saw him lead the All Blacks through a wonderful period during which he was named World Rugby’s best coach in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016.
“Steve Hansen’s knighthood for services to rugby recognises his exceptional involvement and contribution to the game and we applaud this very special achievement. “Tew’s 25-year career as a rugby administrator has been outstanding.
“Under his leadership as chief executive of NZR he significantly improved revenues, hosted the 2011 RWC, won the rights to host the 2021 RWC, championed women’s rugby and led NZR’s diversity and inclusion programme. “The rugby community in New Zealand and internationally has a huge amount of respect for Tew and we extend our heartfelt congratulations on becoming an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.”
Rugby offers Hansen opportunities
New NZR Chief Executive Mark Robinson added his congratulations: “What both men have achieved for the black jersey and for rugby in Canterbury, Crusaders’ region deserves recognition and I am delighted for them.” Hansen said: “Rugby has given me so many things. The opportunity to grow as a person, put me in situations where I’ve been uncomfortable and had to learn to do things better because of that uncomfortable feeling. It’s given me the opportunity to meet many, many people
and create great friendships, it’s given me the opportunity to travel the world.
“It’s been a wonderful, wonderful game and rugby certainly doesn’t owe me anything – I owe rugby a way bigger service than it will ever owe me.”
Tew was humbled to be acknowledged and insisted the game still had plenty to do as former All Black Mark Robinson takes over as CEO
Tew said: “I leave very satisfied but the job is not finished that’s for sure. We have achieved a lot of things that we hoped to, and in some cases surpassed things, but there is still plenty there for the team to do.
-Rugby Pass