Hammett, who has coached St Thomas of Canterbury College’s first XV for the past four years, was this week appointed head of rugby at the club, whose division 1 team has won just one game in each of the past two seasons.
He has also coached Super Rugby sides the Hurricanes, Sunwolves and Highlanders, and made 30 appearances for the All Blacks.
Hammett joins former Canterbury B, Lincoln University and Burnside coach Bevan Sisson at Christchurch, who was appointed head coach last week.
Sisson won two Metro premierships with Lincoln University in 2017 and 2018.
He has also been a columnist for The Star during the club rugby season.
Hammett said he was looking forward to taking on what he thought would be a similar job to his role at St Thomas.
“It just really appeals to me ... I like places that need a bit of work done to them, that’s the thing that really motivates me, so this is certainly one of those challenges,” he said.
“I was excited more by their long-term vision for it, really, than short-term success,” he said.
“For an old boy like me, it’s got me excited again to see something like that.”
Sisson said the work was already under way.
“We’re already looking at pre-season recruitment, retention, coach appointments, and a vision going forward.”
Christchurch president Craig Calder said he was delighted to secure Hammett.
“When you’ve got an ex-professional rugby coach, an ex-All Black, and all the great work that he’s done with St Thomas, we’re just over the moon and delighted with that appointment.”
He was also thrilled to have Sisson on board.
“We need to offer players, coaches, and other volunteers a clear pathway and a clear support system – players who are developing their talent to go to higher honours need those support mechanisms, school-based training and support around them – and we feel both of these coaches will satisfy them.”
