Graham Henry. Photo / Reuters
Rugby's gone all grown up, electing to keep the post-World Cup bloodshed to a minimum, with only Wales and South Africa firing their coaches.
Australia, France and Argentina knew long before the tournament started they would be in the market for a new head coach, while England, New
Zealand and Scotland have all extended the contracts of the men in charge at the World Cup. Ireland even opted to extend the contract of incumbent Eddie O'Sullivan before the tournament kicked off.
The upshot of this new-found maturity is that it has not sparked the predicted domino effect, where the need to fill a job in one country leads to the creation of opportunities elsewhere.
With Wales having already appointed Warren Gatland, the only jobs left in the international market are South Africa, Argentina and the United States.
The irony of the world champions ditching their coach while so many other less successful teams have retained theirs is almost a reassuring sign that rugby has not completely lost its eccentric streak.
In a further nod to traditional values, the Boks will not be conducting a global search for a successor to Jake White. A Kiwi might be good enough for the Australians and Welsh but only South Africans need apply for the Bok job, which is why the four men on the shortlist are all from the Republic.
The Argentinians are believed to be thinking along similar lines, which leaves the US job as the only left for global candidates.
It's believed the US want a recognised name to help build their profile and attract corporate backing and that several of rugby's best known coaches have expressed interest.
White is understood to have inquired about the post but has already ruled himself out, while Graham Henry would have given it serious consideration had he missed out on the All Black job.
Much now depends on the appointment of assistant coaches elsewhere, as that could yet see a flurry of movement.
The Australian situation is potentially volatile, as that could see some of the incumbent Wallaby staff pushed on to the open market.
The US would certainly be interested in former Wales coach and Wallabies skills coach Scott Johnson, should he become available.
