Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have wasted little time turning their attention to the future, appointing one of the most successful coaches and high-performance leaders in world sport, Sir Stephen Hansen, as the Club’s new Football Performance Director.
The appointment comes just days after the Sea Eagles completed their 2026 NRL season against the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland; narrowly missing finals football.
The move is a strong statement of intent from Manly, which has immediately turned its focus to building a stronger football program for 2027.
Hansen will work closely with Head Coach Kieran Foran, CEO Jason King, and the Club’s football department, bringing an extraordinary level of experience in developing high-performance environments and winning cultures.
Foran said he was extremely excited by the opportunity to work alongside Hansen.
“To have someone of Steve Hansen’s experience, knowledge and proven record of building winning cultures joining our football department is a massive opportunity for this Club,” Foran said.
“I have enormous respect for Steve and what he has achieved.
He is one of the greatest sporting minds of his generation, and I am incredibly excited to work with him and learn from him.
Kieran Foran Sea Eagles Head Coach
Hansen was Head Coach of the New Zealand All Blacks from 2012 to 2019. Under his guidance the team achieved a remarkable 87 per cent winning rate, losing just 10 of 107 Tests.
Since leaving the All Blacks, Hansen has increasingly focused on strategic leadership, mentoring and high-performance development, including roles in Japanese rugby.
Hansen said he was excited by the opportunity to join a Club with such a proud history and to work alongside Foran.
I’m really excited to be joining the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and to be part of a Club that is steeped in history, success and a strong sporting identity.
Sir Steve Hansen Sea Eagles Football Performance Director
“There is a lot to like about what Manly is building, and I’m particularly looking forward to working with Kieran and CEO Jason King.”
Foran says Hansen’s appointment demonstrates the Club’s determination to act immediately following the 2026 season.
“We don’t want to simply talk about getting better, we want to put the right people and structures in place to make it happen,” Foran said.
“Steve brings an incredible level of experience and insight, and I know he will challenge all of us to think bigger, raise our standards and become better.”
