Coach not up for role

Northland coach Derren Witcombe has counted himself out of the running for the soon to be vacant Hurricanes coaching job.

Witcombe said it wasn't the right time for him to make a move like that, admitting he still has plenty to learn as a coach.

"If I was asked to be involved in a coaching group at that level I'd be keen but not as a head coach," the former All Black said.

"I've got way too much to learn before I look at coaching at the next level."

Witcombe said he does have aspiration to go into coaching at high levels than the ITM Cup.

"I do have aspirations, [but] as a head coach I wouldn't go for anything like that at that level. As an assistant coach I'd probably be keen."

The Hurricanes head coaching roll has been made vacant for next year as coach Mark Hammett announced last week he wouldn't seek reappointment beyond this season.

Hammett said he made the call to leave his post last year after consulting with his family and other mentors.

The Hurricanes hope to have a new coach confirmed by June.

For Witcombe, his current focus was making sure he was prepared for the ITM Cup season which starts on August 17 at Toll Stadium with the Taniwha facing Manawatu.

At the moment the Taniwha have 23 contracted players, with the most recent signing being Old Boys Marist's Kara Pryor.

Pryor's brother Dan already plays for Northland, but will reunite with his sibling after playing for Auckland in last year's ITM Cup.

Northland: Ross Wright, Justin Davies, WillGriff John, Matt Moulds, Robbie Abel, Tom Murday, Bryce Williams, Shane Neville, Dan Pryor, Kara Pryor, Jack Ram, Ben Berridge, Owen Pihema, Cam Eyre, Tane Takulua, Dan Hawkins, Latiume Fosita, Viliami Tahitua, Winston Stanley, Warren Dunn, Jone Macalai, Whiria Meltzer, Matt Wright.