One of the most successful coaches in Test history, Hansen has been contracted on a part-time basis.

He will work with Dan Cron, the Kiwi who became Toyota Verblitz head coach after finishing as an assistant at the Waratahs this year.

Hansen has been linked with the club since announcing a year ago he would end his 16-year association with the All Blacks after the Rugby World Cup.

The 60-year-old refused to reveal his plans in the wake of New Zealand's third-placed finish in Japan.

"I've got a new job which involves me mentoring, consulting and advising at Toyota Verblitz," Hansen told All Blacks TV on Monday.

"The reason I couldn't say before was because there wasn't a contract signed.

"It's not as a head coach, it's more as an advisor, a mentor and it requires me to be up there for five to 17 weeks a year."

Hansen has a long-standing friendship with Cron, the nephew of veteran All Blacks scrum coach Mike Cron, and hopes his involvement with the youngster will improve his stocks as a coach.

"The opportunity to help him grow is something that really excites me. While we want a winning Toyota Verblitz team, we also want an environment at the club that people can be proud of and that can be like a family," Hansen said.

"All like the sort of thing we had in the All Blacks or what's normal for any rugby team. If I can help in any way to try to create that, then that would be important, too."

Hansen was All Blacks head coach for 107 Tests across eight years, notching a remarkable 93 wins, along with four draws and 10 losses.

He oversaw the 2015 Rugby World Cup triumph, matching his 2011 feat as an assistant coach under Graham Henry.

Australian Associated Press