Head coach Steve Hansen pens New Zealand contract extension

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has signed a contract extension with the All Blacks until 2017.

The 55-year-old was appointed in 2011 before guiding the team to consecutive Rugby Championship triumphs in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

The former Wales coach has won 90% of his matches in charge of reigning world champions New Zealand.

"Steve is the first All Blacks coach to be given a contract extension beyond a Rugby World Cup, which demonstrates how much faith we have in him," New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

The All Blacks recently won all four of their matches on tour in the Northern Hemisphere, including a 24-21 triumph over England at Twickenham Stadium.