The New Zealander saw his reign as Wales coach end with a resounding 44-10 victory over Italy in the RBS 6 Nations Championship finale in Cardiff.

Hansen, who is returning to New Zealand to take up a coaching role with the All Blacks, was given a rapturous reception when he stepped onto the pitch at the Millennium Stadium after the victory.

It was a very emotional moment, added the former policeman. I always knew it was going to be like that.

But I am just happy for the players. They have also taken criticism in the last two years but we played some great rugby today.

These guys can go back to their regions now feeling good about themselves and excited about their rugby.

I think the future of Welsh rugby is looking good. I think the key thing has been installing a professional attitude into a group of players.

Hansen, who has borne his share of criticism in the last two years, added at his after match reception: It was not like seeing the birth of your children - but it was a special moment.

But I don't want to get too carried away cause if we had lost I am sure we would have got booed.

But the nice thing about the Welsh team at the moment is that the players have got to work hard to get into it - and that wasn't the case when I came here.

You cannot take it as a given right that you have got the Welsh jersey - and that's a healthy situation to have.

They have come a long way together over the last couple of years and I am sure the next 24 hours we will all have a good talk.

Skipper Colin Charvis said of Hansen: Steve has done more than just develop a style of play.

He has helped develop me as a captain and as a person and I am sure that other players would say the same.