After 140 Test games, including 103 with the All Blacks, the Kiwi with the most distinctive smile in the country - coach Graham Henry - has resigned.
But fears Henry would pack up his bags and leave the country turned out to be mere speculation after he confirmed he was in talks with the New Zealand Rugby Union about working as a coaching mentor with the organisation.
Henry's career as a coach was capped with the 2011 Rugby World Cup victory last month, and he was quick to acknowledge the role the board of the NZRU had in retaining the three coaches after their 2007 World Cup failure.
"That went against what normally happens for people who coach professional sport and they don't win a particular tournament."
Henry took that opportunity with both hands, culminating in an 8-7 victory in the World Cup final last month, and with it the fitting shine on an outstanding record in the coaching department.
Of his 103 Test matches in charge, Henry won 88 of them for an 85.4 percent success rate, making him one of the most successful All Blacks coaches of all time.
Aside from the World Cup win, other notable achievements in Henry's eight-year reign included three Grand Slam victories, a 3-0 series win over the British and Irish Lions in 2005, seven successive Bledisloe Cup victories and five Tri-Nations tournament wins.
"It's been an enormous privilege to coach the All Blacks and I am exceptionally proud of how the team has added to the All Blacks legacy over the last eight years, involving 103 Test matches.
"I am also exceptionally proud of how they have developed an extremely professional and enjoyable culture and environment, and how they have reached out to people of all ages and put a smile on their faces, both here in New Zealand and overseas.
"So I want to say a special thank you and congratulations to all the players who have played during this time, especially to Tana Umaga and Richie McCaw, the two long-term captains."
Henry also thanked his 95-year-old mother Anne, who he said has had to put up 'hell' while her youngest son was at the helm of the All Blacks.
NZRU CEO Steve Tew said Henry's legacy was plain for everyone to see, and he was glad Henry was still able to offer his services to game in New Zealand.
"He leaves the All Blacks job as one of the greatest coaches in the game, his record is unsurpassed and while he will now get time to spend with family and friends, and the odd bit of fishing, we are delighted that Graham is still going to be involved in New Zealand rugby."
"He has a great relationship with the country's professional coaches, as well as other coaches, and he still has so much to offer the game and it's fantastic that up–and–coming New Zealand coaches will continue to benefit from his vast knowledge."