Hansen to receive honorary Matai title

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is to be gifted an honorary chiefly title after the historic test in Apia this week.

The title will be bestowed by the village of Vaiala, home of Sky Sport commentator Ken Laban who is helping to organise the traditional gesture. 

"Steve is being honored because, as we all know, there will be no game in Samoa without his express approval. If he said no there would be no game," Laban said.

Chiefs are honoured for their leadership, service, humility and impact they have on the village, families and Samoa - Hansen has done all that and more says Laban.

The Vaiala village is also home to Manu Samoa coach Stephen Betham and former sevens coach Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua. The venue for the All Blacks vs Manu Samoa clash is also on Vaiala land, who gifted it to the government for the building of Apia Park.

The ceremony is to take place on Thursday morning, the day after the historic test. Hansen joins Prime Minister John Key and NZ First leader Winston Peters, who have previously received matai titles.