North Harbour rugby coach Wayne Pivac won't reapply for the role next year, ending a forgettable tenure with the union.
Pivac has overseen a disappointing Air NZ Cup campaign in which Harbour have slipped to 12th with two rounds left and are almost certain to miss the quarter-finals.
They finished ninth in Pivac's first season in charge last year.
The former Fiji coach has told management he won't return next year, prompting the North Harbour Rugby Union to search for a replacement.
Chief executive Brett Hollister said the role was advertised yesterday in New Zealand and overseas, with candidates asked to apply before October 10.
"2008 has been a frustrating year for North Harbour," Hollister said.
"The board and I are now focused on recruiting a coaching team for 2009 that will leverage the rugby talent in the North Harbour region."
Pivac coached Auckland from 1999 to 2003 and was named New Zealand rugby coach of the year in 2003.
He took the Harbour role in January last year, replacing three-term coach Alan Pollock, whose team had won the Ranfurly Shield off Canterbury.
Under Pivac, Harbour lost the Shield with a record 52-7 loss to Waikato and he has often been hampered by injuries and player unavailability.
- NZPA
