Kearney to coach Kiwis for two more years

The New Zealand Rugby League have confirmed that Stephen Kearney has extended his current contract to coach the national side by two years.

Kearney should now be in charge of the Kiwis until after the 2017 World Cup. He was appointed in 2008.

When he coaches New Zealand in the Anzac Test against Australia on May 1, he will become the longest continuously serving Kiwi coach in history.

Previously, Frank Endacott coached from 1994-2000, while Scotty McClymont’s tenure spanned 1938-52, but included years where no teams played during World War II and two other teams toured without coaches appointed.

“After the disappointing end to the 2013 World Cup, I think we recognised the need to rebuild the Kiwis culture,” said NZRL chief executive Phil Holden.

“We were pretty confident that Stephen was still the right man for that job, but needed to put the right structures around him to help him succeed.

“Winning the Four Nations showed that we are on the right track and it’s appropriate that we give Stephen some job security, so he can build towards the next World Cup.”