Four shortlisted for All Blacks coach job

27/11/2007


Four coaches have been short-listed for interviews with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) Board for the position of All Blacks coach.

NZRU Board Member and Rugby Committee Chairman Mike Eagle announced today that Colin Cooper, Robbie Deans, Ian Foster and Graham Henry will be interviewed by the full NZRU Board.

Earlier today, the NZRU Rugby Committee convened by teleconference to decide on the short-list from the seven eligible candidates who had applied for the position. The three applicants who were not considered for interviews have been advised but the NZRU will not be naming them publicly.

“The NZRU Board is delighted with the number and quality of candidates for the All Blacks coaching role, which underlines the depth of coaching talent we have available in this country, and also the esteem that our top coaches hold for this position. We are confident that the short-listed candidates provide a very strong field to choose from,” said Mr Eagle.

Mr Eagle said that all four coaches had agreed to having their names announced, given the strong public interest in both the role and the process.

The candidates will now be interviewed by the NZRU Board on Thursday 6 December with a further Board meeting scheduled for Friday 7 December.

Mr Eagle again reiterated that the while the process was progressing well and that the NZRU is aiming to have a coach appointed before Christmas, it will take as long as is necessary to make the right decision.

As has been previously announced, NZRU Chairman Jock Hobbs has taken no part in the selection process since the Board decided to invite applications and will take no part in the interviews as he is the brother-in-law of Robbie Deans.

Background on the short-listed candidates:

Colin Cooper has been the coach of the Hurricanes since 2003 and has been the co-coach, with Ian Foster, of the Junior All Blacks since 2005.

Robbie Deans has been the coach of the Crusaders since 2000 and was a former assistant All Blacks coach during 2002-2003.

Ian Foster has been the coach of the Chiefs since 2004 and has been the co-coach, with Colin Cooper, of the Junior All Blacks since 2005.

Graham Henry is the incumbent All Blacks coach appointed in 2004 and is a former coach of the Blues, Wales and the British and Irish Lions.

I was just wondering if Graham Henry gets the sack and the NZRU appoint Robbie Deans to the post of All Blacks coach, would the ARU have any plans to snap up Graham Henry. I know that the interview process has begun at ARU headquarters but still is there any remote possibility??