League: McClennan to be Kiwis coach

Brian McClennan was today named as the new coach of the Kiwi rugby league team.

McClennan succeeds Daniel Anderson, who joined English club St Helens last month, and his first assignment will be the end-of-year Tri-Nations tournament.

McClennan, the former Kiwi assistant coach, beat off former test lock Tawera Nikau and Auckland Rugby League coaching and development manager Stan Martin for the job.

The other contender on the shortlist, former Kiwi centre James Leuluai, who was an assistant to Anderson with McClennan, withdrew his application.

An original field of 11 contenders expressed interest in the position.

Sel Bennett, who headed the New Zealand Rugby League selection panel, said today's decision was made easier after Leuluai's withdrawal.

"James decided in the end that his business commitments would make it difficult to give the Kiwis job the time and focus required" Bennett said.

"We respect his decision to step aside at this stage rather than risk compromising both his livelihood and the Kiwis Tri-Nations campaign."

Bennett said McClennan's coaching success in recent years were key factors in his appointment.

McClennan was appointed until the end of this year's Tri Nations series with the term beyond this year to be reviewed at the end of the tournament per Anderson's contract.

- NZPA