Sir Steve Hansen, of Christchurch, KNZM, for services to rugby
Sir Steve Hansen was Head Coach of the All Blacks from 2012 until stepping down following the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Sir Steve was part of the coaching trio that guided the All Blacks to their Rugby World Cup 2011 victory, before assuming the role of Head Coach in 2012. He coached the All Blacks to a three-nil series victory over Ireland during their 2012 tour. The All Blacks then went undefeated in 2013 winning 14 of 14 matches and retaining the Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup, the first team to accomplish this in the professional era. He led the All Blacks to win the 2015 Rugby World Cup, becoming the first ever team to retain the Webb Ellis Cup. He guided the All Blacks to consecutive victories at the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Rugby Championships and has overseen their retention of the Bledisloe Cup from 2012 to 2019. In 2017 he led the team into their first test series against the British and Irish Lions since 2005, ultimately ending the series in a draw. Sir Steve was named IRB Coach of the Year in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016.