Graham Henry has been reappointed as All Blacks coach, the New Zealand Rugby Union announced.

The former Wales and British and Irish Lions coach was given a two-year extension to his contract after beating off the challenges of Colin Cooper, Robbie Deans and Ian Foster.

Henry, 61, was forced to reapply for his job after the All Blacks were knocked out in the quarter-finals of this year's World Cup in France despite starting the tournament as heavy favourites.

NZRU acting chairman Mike Eagle said he deserved a second chance because of his exceptional record over the past four seasons.

"The board concluded Graham Henry was the best candidate for the position," Eagle said. "Graham's record, on and off the field, is among the best in All Blacks history.

"He has set a very high standard in coaching, player management and integration with the wider New Zealand rugby community. He has given a lot in a successful period for our game and the board is convinced he has more to give."

Henry has coached the All Blacks to 42 victories in 48 games, winning the Tri-Nations in 2005, 2006 and 2007, scoring a 3-0 series sweep against the British and Irish Lions and a grand slam over England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

"I'm very grateful for the chance to continue," Henry said. "We have been a strong and successful team over the last few years but we were hugely disappointed we didn't bring the World Cup back.

"We have learnt lessons from this campaign and look forward to being able to build on that."

Reuters