Successor?

Legendary former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry reckons it’s “highly probable” outgoing Wales boss Warren Gatland could end up succeeding Steve Hansen as All Blacks boss.

Hansen is set to step down as New Zealand head coach after the World Cup in Japan later this year after a hugely successful spell – while Gatland is set to do the same with Wales.

Henry says Gatland has proved to be “one of the best coaches in the world” and also mentioned the likes of Joe Schmidt and Glasgow boss Dave Rennie as potential suitors for the biggest coaching job in world rugby.

“It is highly probable,” Henry said when asked by the BBC if Gatland would be offered the All Blacks job.

“He has proved to be one of the best coaches in the world. There are guys like Joe Schmidt and Dave Rennie who are over there coaching who have done exceptional jobs who could also do a great job with the All Blacks.

“So there is a pretty competitive field right now, but Warren would be one of the front runners if he made himself available.”

“He has done fabulously well and I was delighted for him when he toured New Zealand that his [2017 Lions] side was so competitive.”