Manly have pulled off a trans-Tasman cross-code coup by luring World Cup-winning All Blacks coach Steve Hansen to the NRL club as their football performance director.
Widely considered a tactical master in rugby union, Hansen guided New Zealand to victory at the 2015 World Cup, and was named World Rugby's coach of the year four times.
During his stint as All Blacks coach from 2012 to 2019 the team lost just 10 of 107 Tests.
With a reputation for creating a strong team culture, Hansen will work closely with Kieran Foran and Manly's football department.
Rookie coach Foran said he was excited by Hansen's recruitment.
"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 in a statement on Friday.
"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."
Hansen felt Manly had a bright future under Foran, who took over as coach mid-season, with the club finishing ninth to narrowly miss 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."
Hansen joins Freddie Michalak in the NRL, with the French rugby legend an assistant at Cronulla, while former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has been assisting at the Sydney Roosters.
Hansen spent a brief time with the Wallabies in an advisory role ahead of the 2023 World Cup, before shifting to Japan in a consultancy position with the Toyota Verblitz club.
He had a stint in late 2020 with Canterbury, brought in by then coach Trent Barrett who had spent time learning from Hansen within the All Blacks camp.
