Woodward ready to come into cold for Super chance

While the freezing Otago temperatures may be a turn-off for many, Northland Rugby coach Bryce Woodward has no qualms if that is where his future leads him.
The former New Zealand Under-21 coach has put his hand up to take over the head coach's role with Super 15 franchise the Highlanders, and said the relocation would not be a major hurdle for his family.
"My wife [Philippa] is a Dunedin girl and I went to university in Dunedin, so it wouldn't be a major hurdle as it would be for some," he said.
Applications to replace Highlanders' coach Glenn Moore closed on Wednesday, and Woodward said he applied as it was a chance to break into coaching at Super 15 level - something he has wanted to do for a while now.
"I have had a conflict of interest with my business before now ... I have had opportunities previously but didn't take them. But after selling my business [Reyburn and Bryant Planning and Surveying] and resigning as a director last year, I've freed myself up to take on any opportunities that may come up," he said.
With 20 years of coaching first-class rugby, Woodward feels he has plenty to offer the struggling Dunedin-based franchise.

 "It would be a big challenge but it's something I am keen to do. I have a lot of experience now - I've been coaching first-class rugby since 1999. I had four years [2002-2005] with the under-21s, and I am in my sixth year coaching Northland. You keep learning new things every year, so what I bring to the table is 20 years in the business of strategic planning, plus leadership skills - they would be my main strengths," he said.
It has been suggested  that All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen is interested in coaching at Super 15 level, and could possibly take up a role as a technical adviser or assistant coach at the Highlanders, which Woodward said would be beneficial to the team who finished 12th in the 2010 season.
"I think highly of Steve Hansen and I think he would add value to the team to have him involved and I would encourage his involvement if I was selected," Woodward said.
For now, however, it was a case of wait and see for the coach.
Woodward said the Northland Rugby Union was aware of his desire to coach Super 15 and his interest in the Otago position.  If he did get the Highlanders role, it would mean quitting coaching Northland at some point.

 "Nothing is settled yet. If certain people who are rumoured to apply for the Highlanders job have applied then they will be well in front of me," he said.
"I anticipate getting an email saying one of two things in the next week - that the quality of applicants was too high and I didn't get an interview, or that I have got an interview."
While it has not yet been advertised, the Northland coach said he was still going to apply for the Blues assistant coach role, to work alongside Pat Lam. If he was successful in the Auckland application, Woodward believed he would also be able to continue his role at Northland.