Steve Hansen in the village of Vaiala in Apia. Photo: RNZI / Tipi Autagavaia
The coach of the All Blacks rugby team, Steve Hansen, has been bestowed with a chiefly matai title following the New Zealand team's game against Manu Samoa yesterday.
A traditional ceremony took place giving Mr Hansen the title of Tupuivao in the village of Vaiala in Apia.
The family of a former MP Patu Ativalu Togi II decided to honour Hansen because of his close friendship with one of his nephews.
Steve Hansen says the whole time in Samoa has been special, including the cultural experience of being bestowed a title.
"This was special, and something I will remember forever.
"The whole Samoan weeks has been pretty special, particularly right from the get-go when we got out of the plane and it hasn't stopped really."
"It just makes you appreciate Samoa even more"
Steve Hansen in Apia. Photo: RNZI / Tipi Autagavaia
The New Zealand rugby team depart Samoa this afternoon.