1 Jul 2016

Henry to help Irish club Leinster

10:22 pm on 1 July 2016

The former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry is to help out at the Irish rugby club Leinster.

Sir Graham Henry.

Sir Graham Henry. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Leinster have confirmed that Henry will join the province on a short-term deal in July.

Henry led his country to their 2011 World Cup triumph and will join Leinster during the pre-season.

He will remain with the province for a number of weeks before the start of the 2016/17 season.

During his time with the team he will also be speaking with club and school coaches as part of a programme of events hosted by Bank of Ireland and BDO.

Commenting on the appointment head coach Leo Cullen said: "This isn't by any means a first for Leinster Rugby and I felt it was important for myself and the wider coaching and playing staff in Leinster to look at different ways of challenging ourselves.

"To that end I am delighted that Graham has decided to work with us and I would like to publicly thank the Professional Games Board in Leinster for their support with this decision.

"Everyone in the organisation will benefit from his expertise and undoubtedly the coaches and the players will benefit from having a coach of his stature in and amongst us as we build towards the new season."

Having led the Auckland Blues to two Super Rugby titles, Henry was appointed head coach of Wales in 1998 before leading the British and Irish Lions on their tour to Australia in 2001. He was appointed New Zealand head coach in 2004, taking the All Blacks to two World Cups culminating in their 2011 triumph.

"It's a privilege to be asked to assist Leo and his team at Leinster, a club with such a rich and proud history," said Henry.

Since leaving the All Blacks, henry has also had time with Argentina and the Blues.

Henry will join Leinster on the July 30th.