Mains is tipped for fling in Scotland

By WYNNE GRAY

Former Lions, Blues and Auckland coach Graham Henry has turned down an invitation to coach the Pacific Islanders in their inaugural season next year.

While that liaison foundered, there is speculation former All Black and departing Highlanders coach Laurie Mains may link up with Scotland.

When Pacific Island officials were in Auckland recently they sounded out Henry about his coaching intentions.

Apparently there was no objection from the New Zealand Rugby Union, but Auckland were not keen on losing Henry for any part of next season because of his Super 12 and NPC commitments.

Meanwhile, the Scotsman newspaper said Mains had "emerged as the strongest contender" for the Scottish coaching job, a position advertised in the Southern Hemisphere. Others touted as members of the next coaching group are also New Zealanders - Wayne Smith, Tony Gilbert or even Todd Blackadder.

Were Scotland able to lure Mains once Ian McGeechan finishes after the World Cup, it would continue the recent trend of New Zealanders coaching in the Six Nations series.

Henry coached Wales, All Blacks coach John Mitchell England, Warren Gatland Ireland, and Steve Hansen and John Kirwan are in charge of Wales and Italy.

Highlanders chairman Colin Weatherall has downplayed suggestions that Mains resigned because of rifts with his assistant Greg Cooper and chief executive John Hornbrook.

Last night, Weatherall would not comment directly on the apparent discord between Mains and Hornbrook, or any lingering ill-feeling between the former All Blacks coach and Cooper.