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The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) board has decided to make the All Blacks coaching position contestable and Graham Henry says he'll decide later this month whether to stand again.
The announcement follows the conclusion of the All Blacks coaches' performance reviews for 2007 and the unsuccessful World Cup campaign, which New Zealand exited with a quarterfinal defeat to France.
NZRU rugby committee chairman Mike Eagle said today the review was productive and thorough and the committee had a full, frank and fair discussion with the All Blacks coaches and management.
"Notwithstanding the disappointment of losing at the quarterfinal stage of Rugby World Cup 2007, the board concluded that the coaches' performances in 2007 were very positive, as they had been throughout the term of their appointment."
Eagle pointed out that under the four-year reign of coaching panel of Henry, Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith, the All Blacks won 42 of 48 test matches and achieved a series win against the Lions and a Grand Slam in 2005, retained the Bledisloe Cup in all four years, and achieved Tri Nations titles in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
The All Blacks were also unbeaten at home and before the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal, had been unbeaten in Europe.
The NZRU would now write to all coaches eligible to apply for the position and invite them to apply.
Applications close on Monday November 26.
Henry said the coaching panel understood the board's decision to ask for applications.
"All three of us will take time to think about the next steps and we'll have a decision on the 26th."
Eagle said it was still hoped that the selection of the coach could be completed prior to Christmas. However, the appointment of the best possible candidate would not be compromised by this target.
It was widely speculated prior to the All Blacks' disastrous exit from the World Cup that Hansen would take over as head coach.
However, he will most likely face a strong challenge from Crusaders supremo Robbie Deans, who last month expressed a desire coach the national side.
- NZ HERALD STAFF, NZPA
