Henry returns to Argentina coaching role

AAP
April 11, 2013, 6:34 pm


All Blacks World Cup winning coach Sir Graham Henry will assist Argentina in the Rugby Championship for a second straight year.

Henry helped head coach Santiago Phelan prepare the Pumas for their first year in the inaugural four-nations championship in 2012, where they finished last behind New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.

Their best result was a 16-16 draw at home to the Springboks while both their losses to the Wallabies were close.

The Argentina Rugby Union (UAR) said Henry will play a similar role after his current stint as technical adviser to Blues Super Rugby coach Sir John Kirwan finishes.

"Having been a very competitive team in the 2013 Rugby Championship, this new edition of the tournament will be an even greater challenge for Argentina," Henry said in a UAR statement.

"The Springboks, All Blacks and Wallabies will surely be stronger teams than last year.

"But without doubt it will be a positive challenge, you only improve facing the best."

Henry came in for some criticism in New Zealand for switching international roles so quickly after guiding the All Blacks to victory at the 2011 World Cup.

He shrugged the issue aside, saying it was important to improve the standard of Test nations below the top tier.

Argentina play three home Tests in the June international window.

They will face an England side missing their British and Irish Lions players on June 8 and 15 before hosting Georgia a week later.
Their first Rugby Championship Test is away to South Africa on August 17.