EXCLUSIVE: Steve Hansen Lifts the Lid on Richie McCaw, Aaron Smith & World Cup Heartbreak

Jul 13, 2025

Sir Steve Hansen, the legendary former coach of the All Blacks, shares captivating insights from his impressive career and personal life. He candidly discusses his regrets, highlights what makes a great leader, and reflects on the emotional toll of World Cup heartbreak. Steve recounts humorous anecdotes, including his nickname 'Shag,' and reveals profound lessons from his wife's cancer journey. This conversation offers a rare glimpse into his wisdom, humility, and the complexities of coaching at the highest level.

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INSIGHT

Strengths Can Be Weaknesses

Most humans' greatest strengths are also their biggest weaknesses.
Focusing too much on outcomes can hinder performance and relationships.

ADVICE

Coach Players To Think Independently

Teach players to think independently instead of just following commands blindly.
Encouraging players to find their own answers makes them take ownership.

INSIGHT

Vulnerability Builds Trust

Vulnerability in leadership builds trust because sharing your story encourages others to share theirs.
Coaching has evolved to treat players as people who respond differently to care and guidance.

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Sir Steve Hansen is one of the greatest All Black coaches of all time. He is a true legend of the game.

The stats don’t lie:

+ 107 test matches as head coach over 8 seasons

+ Only 10 losses, for a win record of 87%

+ World rugby coach of the year 4 times.

+ Two Halberg awards for NZ coach of the year.

In this exclusive and very rare podcast appearance from the man known as “Shag” he opens up about the moments he got it wrong, his thoughts on what makes a great leader, the art of difficult conversations, the time Keven Mealamu told him off, why he warned Richie McCaw he was going to cost the All Blacks the 2015 Rugby World Cup and plenty more rugby stuff.

We also talk about some deeply personal stuff, like his wife Tash’s cancer journey and how that changed his outlook on life.

This will possibly be a side of Sir Steve Hansen that you have never seen before.

Steve’s not just a coaching legend and an inspiring leader, he’s wise, humble, and very funny. I loved our time together and I hope you do too.

***

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