Sir Graham Henry

Lore & Background

Henry played rugby union for Canterbury and cricket for Canterbury and Otago in the Plunket Shield. Before becoming a full-time coach, Henry worked as a school teacher and headmaster. He coached successful Auckland and Auckland Blues teams in the 1990s, winning National Provincial Championship titles in 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 with Auckland, and the inaugural Super 12 title with the Blues in 1996. He coached Wales from 1998 to 2002, with some success, including an 11-match winning streak.

He was head coach of the British & Irish Lions in their 2001 tour of Australia, in which they lost the test series 2–1. He was appointed head coach of New Zealand in 2004, and had several successful seasons, including a series victory over the British & Irish Lions in 2005. Henry was heavily criticised following the All Blacks' quarter-final exit at the 2007 Rugby World Cup and was reappointed amid some controversy. He subsequently led the All Blacks to win the 2011 Rugby World Cup final.

He stepped down as All Blacks coach in 2011 after 140 matches in a career that also included five Tri Nations titles. In 2012, Henry joined Argentina as an advisor, and acted as an assistant coach to the Argentina national team. In 2013, he re-committed to Argentina for the 2013 Rugby Championship.

Reader's Guide

After attending Christchurch Boys' High School where he was tutored in part by John Graham, Henry studied at the University of Otago, gained a Diploma in Physical Education in 1969, and became a secondary school geography and physical education teacher. He taught at two schools known for their rugby prowess – Auckland Grammar School and Kelston Boys' High School. He coached both their first XVs. He began his career at Auckland Grammar School as a Physical Education Teacher in 1973 and remained there – while completing a Bachelor of Education at Massey University in 1979 until 1982, when he was appointed deputy headmaster of Kelston.

Following the unexpected death of headmaster Jim Paton while jogging in 1987, Henry became headmaster. He held the job until resigning to become a full-time coach in 1996. His first major role was as coach of the successful Auckland provincial rugby team from 1992 to 1997. During his tenure, the team won the National Provincial Championship (NPC) four years in a row (1993–1996).

Henry also coached the Blues in the Super 12 – winning the title in 1996 and 1997, and losing the final in 1998. He returned to the Blues as technical advisor for the 2003 season, in which they were again crowned champions.

Did You Know?

• He coached Wales to an 11-match winning streak in 1999.
• He was the first Lions coach from outside the Home Nations since 1904.