Hansen left Wales after last year's Six Nations

The New Zealand assistant coach has been praised by many for leaving solid foundations for his successor Mike Ruddock to build a winning side.

But Hansen told BBC Wales Sport: "I'm not looking for any credit. It goes to the people in the arena - the players, Mike Ruddock and the management.

"They picked the ball up from where we left it and carried on doing the job."

Hansen's two-year reign in charge of Wales ended after last season's Six Nations, where Wales finished fourth with two wins from five.

The Kiwi left for home with a disappointing overall record of played 31, won 11 - which included Wales' first ever Six Nations whitewash in 2003.

He returned to Wales last autumn in his new role as assistant to All Blacks coach Graham Henry.

To see these young men finally achieve what they are capable of is just great Steve Hansen

Ruddock made a point of publicly thanking Hansen - and his predecessor Graham Henry - for raising the standard of the Wales squad.

One of the most significant improvements was seen in the players' fitness levels under the guidance of Andrew Hore, who Hansen recruited from his former club Canterbury.

Although the former policeman refuses to take any plaudits, Hansen says he is more than happy to celebrate Wales' success.

"It's awesome," he said. "To see these young men finally achieve what they are capable of is just great.

"No-one could have been prouder than I was when I watched it."

He added: "They were the only team in the championship that really had a crack.

"As a result, they won the tournament so you can only congratulate their style."

Hansen says he expects to come face-to-face with the majority of the Wales team when the Lions tour New Zealand this summer.

He added: "A lot of people over here are really excited by the fact that Wales have achieved what they have because New Zealand is a country that looks to Wales a lot.