Hansen watches his last game. (Getty Images)

By Ian Gordon, PA Sport

Steve Hansen was given a standing ovation as he departed Welsh rugby - then declared: "This feeling will live with me for a long time."

The New Zealander saw his reign as Wales coach end with a resounding 44-10 victory over Italy in the RBS Six Nations Championship finale in Cardiff.

Hansen, who is returning to New Zealand to take up a coaching role with the All Blacks, was given a rapturous reception when he stepped onto the pitch at the Millennium Stadium after the victory.

"It was a very emotional moment," added the former policeman.

"I always knew it was going to be like that.

"But I am just happy for the players. They have also taken criticism in the last two years but we played some great rugby today.

"These guys can go back to their regions now feeling good about themselves and excited about their rugby.

"I think the future of Welsh rugby is looking good. I think the key thing has been installing a professional attitude into a group of players."

Hansen, who has borne his share of criticism in the last two years, added at his after-match reception: "It was not like seeing the birth of your children - but it was a special moment.

"But I don't want to get too carried away cause if we had lost I am sure we would have got booed.

"But the nice thing about the Welsh team at the moment is that the players have got to work hard to get into it - and that wasn't the case when I came here.

"You cannot take it as a given right that you have got the Welsh jersey - and that's a healthy situation to have.

"They have come a long way together over the last couple of years and I am sure the next 24 hours we will all have a good talk."

Skipper Colin Charvis said of Hansen: "Steve has done more than just develop a style of play.

"He has helped develop me as a captain and as a person and I am sure that other players would say the same."

John Kirwan admitted it had been Italy's worst performance of their campaign.

The Italians had arrived in Cardiff confident of registering a first-ever away success in the championship but were blown away in a six-try Welsh rout.

"That was our worst performance in the Six Nations and it is not a great way for us to finish," said Kirwan.

"I am very disappointed with the result. I felt that we may be got caught up in the hype and our mental approach to the game was not what it should have been.

"It is very disappointing to finish the Six Nations like that from what I consider for Italy has been a positive championship.

"We allowed Wales to play to their strengths and they came up with some pretty exciting rugby. I thought they were outstanding at times.

"But we allowed too many turnovers and missed tackles and you just cannot do that at this level."

The defeat will again raise question marks over the New Zealander's future but he insisted: "It is not my intention to give up. That is something I never do."