All Blacks coach Steve Hansen with Governor-General Lt General Sir Jerry Mateparae, during his investiture at Government House in Wellington today. Photo / Mark Mitchell
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen's biggest reason for being in Wellington this week is to win a rugby test - but today he was also recognised for a game they won last year - the Rugby World Cup final.
Hansen was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of
Merit for services to rugby at a ceremony presided over by Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae at Government House.
Dame Margaret Bazley was invested as a member of the Order of New Zealand - this country's highest honour - and former rugby league international and events organiser Dean Lonergan was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Hansen took over as All Blacks coach from Sir Graham Henry following last year's World Cup win and is preparing the team for Saturday night's Rugby Championship match against Argentina at Westpac Stadium.
"It's a huge honour and a reflection on what the team's achieved and you accept it with humbleness," Hansen said. "And it's a reflection too for your family. All the sacrifices they've made over the years when dad's not there or a partner's not there and it's as much theirs' as it is mine."
