World Cup winning former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry is returning to his roots.
Sir Graham Henry after Auckland lifted the Ranfurly Shield in 2003. Photo: Photosport
Auckland Rugby announced on Friday that Henry and former Blues utility back Tasesa Lavea would join new head coach Alama Ieremia as part of the coaching team for Auckland's 2018 national provincial championship team.
The head coach of the All Blacks from 2004 until 2011, when he led the team to their first World Cup title in 24 years, Henry started his senior coaching career with Auckland in 1992 and spent six years in charge of the side.
He led the team to four straight NPC titles from 1993-96, before taking charge of the Blues and steering them to two Super Rugby titles and three straight finals appearances.
Henry returned for a two-year stint as a technical adviser with Aucckland during 2002 and 2003.
Confirmed as Auckland's new head coach in December, Iermeia was enthused by the prospect of working alongside Henry from a technical and tactical point of view and also in relation to identity and culture.
"Sir Graham obviously has a wealth of knowledge around the defence systems and trends of the game with a track record that speaks for itself,"
"Additionally, a key aspect of Graham's involvement is his role as a mentor not only to the coaches, but most importantly for the players.
"From a Head Coach's point of view, creating a culture and identity that people are proud of is a big rock for the Auckland Mitre 10 team this year. Having Sir Graham with his experience will enhance that for this team."
Henry has stayed involved in coaching since stepping dwon from the All Blacks after the 2011 World Cup triumph, including a stint as an assistant with Argentina and a consultancy role with Irish team Leinster.
The 71-year-old said the prolonged struggle of the once dominant Auckland side, including a horror 2017 campaign where they narrowly avoided relegation, was the main factor in his decision to return to the coaching set-up of his former team.
"I've come back to Auckland Rugby because I'm disappointed with what's happened in the last 10 years, it hasn't been great.
"Rather than throw hand grenades from outside I've decided to come in and help with inside and be a mentor to the coaches and the players and do a bit of coaching."
A former NRL player and New Zealand rugby league team representative, Lavea swicthed codes to play provincial rugby for both Auckland and Counties, six seasons of Super Rugby for the Blues and Chiefs and also make seven appearances for Samoa.
He quickly stepped into coaching and has won the highly-regarded Auckland 1A First XV title five times in the past seven years, as well as a National 1st XV title in 2012.
Ieremia said Lavea's background in the development of the young players coming through was an important aspect in bringing this young Auckland side together.
"Tai has had a lot of success and understands the landscape with the young players coming through. We are aligned with key strategies, especially in the backline.
"Not only is being a homegrown Auckland coach important but having a history and relationship with young and current players is vital to get the best out of our squad in 2018."
Auckland Rugby said another coach would be added to the trio of Ieremia, Lavea and Henry, with their area of responsibility focused on forwards and contact.