Graham Henry takes adviser role with Pumas

WORLD Cup-winning coach Graham Henry will return to international rugby as adviser to Argentina in their first season of competition against powerhouses New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.

Henry, 65, capped a 13-year international coaching career by guiding his native New Zealand to World Cup glory last year. He resigned shortly after and said he wanted a less involved role as an adviser.

The Argentine Rugby Union said that Henry would start work next month on a one-year contract that includes Argentina’s debut in an expanded southern hemisphere tournament.

The Pumas will play South Africa, Australia and the All Blacks in what was previously the Tri-Nations. It will be called the Four Nations from this year.

“It makes me very happy that Henry is joining us,” Argentina coach Santiago Phelan said. “He’s coming to work with us and make our play better.”

Entry into the Four Nations is a major step for Argentina, where the game is amateur. Top Argentine players mostly travel to Europe to play professionally.