Christchurch-born Graham Henry completed his DipPhEd at Otago in 1969 and a BEd from Massey University in 1979. A physical education teacher at Auckland Grammar, he was appointed Deputy Principal of Kelston Boys' in 1982 and was Principal of that school from 1987 to 1996.
A former representative cricketer, Henry combined school duties with the coaching of the Auckland rugby team from 1992, winning NPC championships in 1993-1996. With the advent of professional rugby, he coached the Blues to Super 12 championship honours in 1996-1997. In 1998, Henry was appointed coach of the Welsh rugby team, and was proclaimed “the Great Redeemer” when his team gained early victories over France in Paris, England at Twickenham and a fi rst ever win over the world champion Springboks in Cardiff. In 2001 Henry was the fi rst foreigner appointed to coach the British and Irish Lions.
Returning to New Zealand in 2002, Henry was appointed coach of the All Blacks in 2004, and in 2005 the All Blacks marched triumphantly to wins in the Bledisloe Cup, the Tri-Nations, a clean sweep over the British and Irish Lions, and a Grand Slam of victories in the end-of-year tour of the United Kingdom.