Ted's Back - Sir Graham returns to the All Blacks

What always stands out to me is how deeply he understands people. Leadership, pressure, culture, resilience, and what actually matters when teams are under pressure.

Ted’s back with the All Blacks. And I think that’s brilliant news.

One of the best parts of this job is getting to meet incredible people from all walks of life.

And without question, one of my favourites is Sir Graham Henry, or Ted, as everyone knows him.

Like most New Zealanders, I grew up knowing exactly who he was and what he achieved with the All Blacks. 

But after getting to know him a little, what stands out most isn’t just the rugby brain, which is obviously world class. It’s his sense of humour, quick wit, and how genuinely good he is with people.

A recent event in Hamilton summed him up perfectly.

We had booked Ted to speak for the Waikato Chamber of Commerce and during the event I thought I was being incredibly subtle sneaking across the room to grab a photo.

Without missing a beat, Ted stopped mid-conversation, looked over at me and said:

“And what are you doing? Where do you think you’re going?”

Completely stitched me up in front of the room.

Big laugh. Perfect timing. Very Ted.

So I was absolutely over the moon this week seeing the announcement that he’s returning to the All Blacks environment as a selector under new head coach Dave Rennie.

And realistically, there are very few people in world rugby more qualified to do it.

During his time coaching the All Blacks from 2004 to 2011, Ted led New Zealand through one of the most successful periods in rugby history, including the 2011 Rugby World Cup victory on home soil.

But anyone who has heard Ted speak knows his impact goes well beyond results and statistics.

What always stands out to me is how deeply he understands people. Leadership, pressure, culture, resilience, and what actually matters when teams are under pressure.

Honestly, I think that’s brilliant news for New Zealand rugby.

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