Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says self-interest has left rugby staring at a global chasm, calling on unity and a new approach to resuscitate the sport.

Hansen, whose eight-year New Zealand reign ended at the World Cup in Japan, said the perilous financial state of countries like Australia can't just be attributed to the coronavirus outbreak.

Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen wants to see more collaboration. Credit:Getty Images

In an interview with Wales Online, he said the international game had lost its way and believes the complete halt brought on by the pandemic is an opportunity to collaborate and devise a new blueprint.

"We have an opportunity now to start with a blank page because you have got everybody putting self-interest to the side," he said.