Under the Hammer

BY DAVID LONG

Sunday News: What does it mean to be the new coach of the Hurricanes?

Mark Hammett: I'm so excited about it, not only for myself but also my family. We're all really looking forward to the challenge.

I have a long-term goal that I'd like to coach the All Blacks one day and my other goal when Robbie Deans left the Crusaders was to make sure this place kept running from a Crusaders' perspective and that I wouldn't look to leave until that was in place.

I know now with Todd (Blackadder) and Gibbo (Daryl Gibson) we're in a really good place and that for me it's the right time to expand and put myself under a bit more pressure so the learning continues, and there's no better place for that than at the Hurricanes.

Coops and his team have done a fantastic job. They've got a brilliant management and they've really achieved some great things over the last couple of years.

For me, it's about trying to grow and develop what's been started.

SN: Has Robbie Deans given you any advice about moving up to be a Super 14 head coach?

MH: No one-on-one advice, but there's no doubt Rob's one of my mentors and I will use him from time to time when challenges arise.

SN: People might wonder if it's right for you to move into a head coaching position in the Super 14 when you've only been an assistant coach.

MH: I don't see it as an issue at all. I've been in this competition for 15 years and there aren't many who have been involved in it for longer.

I've been in leadership roles my whole life so for me, yes, it is a different scenario in terms of going from an assistant to head coach. But my philosophies will remain the same.

SN: Taine Randell says in today's Sunday News that he always thought you'd make a good coach. Is this what you've always wanted to do?

MH: Probably from when I was called back into the All Blacks in 2003. I didn't make the original squad and was called in for the Tri-Nations.

It was then I realised my talent was probably greater around my ability to coach and lead, rather than my talents as a rugby player. My talent as a rugby player was my resilience and mental toughness, as opposed to x-factor we see in other individuals.

I think I'm a better coach from an x-factor point of view than I was a footballer, if that makes sense.

SN: You've been in the Canterbury and Crusaders sides all of your career and played a part in building the successful environments there. Will you bring some of that culture to the Hurricanes or embrace what they've already got there?

MH: It will be a case of going in and doing more listening than talking to start with.

You've got to remember they're doing a heck of a lot of good things. There's been a reason why we've won seven titles (at the Crusaders). We're very good at building culture, leadership and teams, so there's no doubt about it that it's something I want to take in and build on.

But first I need to listen and develop those relationships with the players.

They know how much I care already, so that's a given. But I want to make sure they know that once I'm with the Hurricanes I'm yellow and black and will have one focus.

SN: How similar is your situation now to Robbie's when he coached the Crusaders for one year after already announcing he was going to the Wallabies?

MH: That's a really good question because it's something we've had to deal with at the Crusaders. The Hurricanes and Crusaders have been so supportive and that's why today is the last day I'll be talking about Hurricanes business until July 1.

The Hurricanes have been outstanding. They understand my commitment and integrity to finish the job at the Crusaders so that's where it will end post today.

SN: Can you explain what happened with the interest the Melbourne Rebels showed in you?

MH: I was certainly looking for the Rebels for the same reason I was looking at the Hurricanes. My wife has a best friend and a sister who live there.

So from a perspective of growing myself into ultimately a head coach, it would offer that. I was really straight up that I was contracted until 2011 and if anything was to happen it would have to go through the NZRU. But I'm stoked I was selected as Hurricanes coach. It's my preference. I'm super-passionate and excited about the opportunity.

- © Fairfax NZ News