Hammett tipped for Hurricanes job

Mark Hammett is set to be confirmed as the new Hurricanes coach within a week. Photo / Christchurch Star

Former All Black hooker and current Crusaders assistant coach Mark Hammett is the hot tip to succeed Colin Cooper as the Hurricanes rugby coach.

Newstalk ZB has been told that Hammett will be confirmed as the new Hurricanes coach within a week.

Hurricanes chief executive Greg Peters has confirmed Hammett is a contender, while the New Zealand Rugby Union this week blocked moves by the new Melbourne Rebels Super 15 coach Rod Macqueen to sign up the former All Black as an assistant.

The astute Macqueen chasing Hammett's services will have only served to strengthen his case for promotion to the Hurricanes job.

- NEWSTALK ZB