At 76, Sir Graham Henry says the final whistle has now sounded. One of the most decorated coaches in rugby history has hung up his tracksuit and is heading into the retirement sunset on the idyllic Waiheke Island. His last hurrah was last Saturday’s women’s World Cup final across the bay in Auckland where, as a consultant with the Black Ferns, he duly signed off with another momentous victory.
If it feels like the end of an era that is exactly what it is. Henry coached the All Blacks to 88 wins in 103 Tests – his record against England read played nine, won nine – and guided them to the 2011 World Cup title. He was World Coach of the Year five times and also coached Wales and the British & Irish Lions. If anyone is qualified to discuss the health – or otherwise – of modern rugby union he is very much the man.
