All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is in a war of words with Pat Lam over the time Hansen spent in charge of Wales.
The row centres over comments made by Hansen that his fellow coach is an “ex-New Zealander” because of his efforts in trying to tempt players to the UK.
“Did Steve Hansen consider himself an ex-New Zealander when he chose to leave New Zealand and coach the Wales national team against the All Blacks?” said Lam, in reference to Hansen’s stint with Wales from 2002-04.
Lam – currently in charge of Connacht before he takes over at Bristol in the summer – has fired back at his All Blacks counterpart after being singled out for criticism for coaxing Steven Luatua to Bristol next season.
Hansen had claimed: “Steven spoke briefly to the contracts team, and he’s been tapped on the shoulder by Pat Lam which is disappointing.
“If you’re an ex-New Zealander you should be a bit mindful about players’ careers.”
Luatua confirmed this week he would join Bristol on a two-year contract. The decision upset Hansen, who said he had not had an opportunity to discuss the move with the back row forward. Only players contracted to New Zealand Rugby are eligible for the All Blacks.
Lam, who was born in Auckland and played one game for the All Blacks, also represented Samoa at three Rugby World Cups.
The 48-year-old, whose parents are Samoan, took exception to Hansen’s comments and said he had had the “privilege and honour” of representing both New Zealand and Samoa.
“I am not sure why Steve Hansen would unprecedentedly choose to single me out publicly and call me an ‘ex-New Zealander,'” Lam said in a statement.
“I am a proud New Zealander and I’m also proud to be a Pacific Islander.
“The only reason we don’t live in New Zealand at the moment is I had an opportunity to continue to coach rugby professionally in Ireland and support my family after being sacked by the NZRU and the Blues.”
Lam coached the Auckland Blues from 2009-12 before moving to Ireland’s Connacht in 2013, leading them to their first piece of silverware last season when they won the Pro-12 title. He said last December he was moving to Bristol.
“Myself and I’m sure many other New Zealanders who are living and working overseas do not consider ourselves ex-New Zealanders just because we are not living in New Zealand.
“When I have joined the thousands of other northern-based Kiwis who attended and cheered on the All Blacks in their test matches in the northern hemisphere we certainly didn’t do so as ex-New Zealanders.”