Hansen said his father, a successful coach of Marist in Christchurch senior rugby in the 1980s, was a tough character who was a mentor to a lot of players and coaches.

Des Hansen, who died last week aged 78, was born in Balclutha and grew up in Clinton, before moving to Mosgiel and then Christchurch, "... and on the way he touched a lot of people," Steve Hansen said. "There are not many great people in life and very few special, but, dad, you were one.

"He was happier talking about things he enjoyed than complaining about things he didn't have." He always had a message if people were prepared to listen, Hansen said. And he always challenged people to think.

Source:

• NZ Herald
• Image: Getty Images