KEY POINTS:
Kevin Schuler arrives back from Japan tomorrow and could complete the final part of the Bay of Plenty coaching jigsaw.
Everyone from Gordon Tietjens, Wayne Shelford and Allan Pollock has been touted for the role left vacant when last season's coach Andre Bell and the Bay of Plenty Union couldn't agree terms.
With an announcement due next week, former All Black Schuler looms as a key player.
He has been involved with the Bay of Plenty team for the past three seasons, including the last two as assistant coach.
For the past year, he has also been employed by Yamaha as director of coaching in the Japanese club competition, with Yamaha losing their Microsoft Cup semifinal 40-39 to Suntory last week.
"Herb [Schuler] will hopefully be in the mix somewhere - we just have to work through his availability," said Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive Paul Abbot.
Schuler would provide much-needed continuity but whether his Japanese commitments would allow him to coach the Bay fulltime is doubtful.
It's unlikely he would have stayed as assistant this year if Bell had remained in charge.
The union interviewed at least two candidates last week - Marist St Pats coaching co-ordinator Ian Snook and Wanganui coach and former Bay halfback Milton Haig.
Rumours also persist they spoke to Wellington B coach Chris Boyd at the weekend, while Black Ferns' head coach Jed Rowlands wasn't interviewed.
New Zealand sevens supremo Tietjens laughed off talk he was going for the job, despite landing the North Harbour role earlier this year before having to pull out with work commitments.
Rotorua-raised Shelford is a long-shot and Pollock is tipped to be heading back to Japan.
- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES
