Top Naija News: Nigerian News, Breaking News Nigeria and World News Top Naija News is a daily news publication in Nigeria, delivering the latest breaking news in Nigeria and around the world.
A stunned Dane Coles admitted to being “a bit speechless” when he was told by a reporter that ex-All Blacks coach Steve Hansen had joined Wallabies camp ahead of the World Cup.
The Wallabies have added the 2015 Rugby World Cup-winning coach as an advisor less than three weeks out from their opening group match, joining the swathe of support staff onboard to try and break their 23-year drought.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Wallabies coach Eddie Jones asked Hansen to help out, as they prepare for their warm-up match against France.
Watch the 2023 Rugby World Cup and Summer Nations Series on the home of rugby, Stan Sport. All matches streaming ad free, live and on demand
Wallabies officials confirmed Hansen is in camp before this weekend’s match and is expected to be with Australia for about a week.
When told about the move, Coles couldn’t hide his emotions.
“Yeah! Like, actually? Like in camp sort of set-up?” Coles asked.
“Yeah… Shag, what are you up to? That hurts a little bit, to be fair.
“I’m just gobsmacked. I know he’s quite tight with Eddie, they’re really good mates, but he’s a bit of an icon in the All Blacks set-up.
“Yeah, I’m actually a bit speechless. A bit disappointing but we can’t do much about that.”
READ MORE: Spanish football boss ‘sorry’ for ‘horrific’ act with star
READ MORE: Tigers plan ‘doomed to fail’ with ‘fed up’ fans silenced
READ MORE: Unrest ripping through Souths after star’s ‘blow up’
Asked whether it “stings a little”, Coles replied, “It does, kind of, a bit, eh. He’s a great man. I’m actually gobsmacked. I thought you guys were having a bit of a laugh.
“He’s obviously not in (our) environment at the moment so we just have to kind of leave it and I suppose he can help out Eddie.
“I hope he doesn’t tell Eddie all our secrets. He’ll be respectful, that’s the main thing, which I think he will be to the All Blacks.
“I think there’ll be no problems. That’s just me trying to process what you’ve just said.”
Hansen, who led the All Blacks to victory over Australia in the 2015 World Cup final, has a long-standing friendship with Jones and is not being paid by Rugby Australia for the week.
It’s not an unusual occurrence to see coaches from other teams and codes visit the Wallabies. It’s understood Hansen does not have an official role this week but is giving advice to Jones when necessary.
Hansen has attended Wallabies training as the team prepares for their first hit-out in France.
The report states Hansen has introduced himself to Wallabies players and staff at training, however, he has not worn official Wallabies attire and it’s unclear whether he will sit in the box alongside Jones for the France game.
News of Hansen’s involvement with the Australian team is likely to be met with shock from New Zealand rugby fans.
Hansen is close friends with Ian Foster, who is in charge of the All Blacks at the World Cup.
“Eddie is a rugby man through and through, he loves the game. He’s quirky … and he has a massive work ethic,” Hansen told The Sydney Morning Herald earlier this year.
“But underneath it all he cares about the game and the people who are involved in it. He is a good analyst of the game.
“He has the ability to bring a group together pretty quickly. I just enjoy his company. I like talking rugby with him and he has a good sense of humour as well. He likes a beer and a punt, and so do I.”
