KEY POINTS:
A worldwide scramble for Graham Henry's services is expected to begin next week when he will almost certainly decide not to stand for All Black coach.
The incumbent All Black coach said immediately after learning his job was going to be advertised that he was not sure whether
he would apply.
But the Herald on Sunday has learned that Henry confided to friends before the review that he would walk if not afforded a contract extension.
At 61 and with more than 30 years' experience, Henry is comfortable with what he has achieved and reluctant to prove to others again he is the right man for the All Black job.
His view is that his four years at the helm of the national side should be considered his application. Henry and his selectors believe referee Wayne Barnes was the principal reason for the dramatic fall from grace in Cardiff. This was a key plank in their presentation to the board last week, as was their reference to KPIs - key performance indicators - for individual players, which registered higher in Cardiff than they did in Lyon the previous year when they destroyed the French.
As the board has decided not to renew his contract, he wants to leave the post with his dignity intact. It is understood Henry didn't immediately reveal he won't reapply for fear that he would have been perceived as petulant and bitter.
Once he confirms his position, probably this week, he will be bombarded with overseas offers.
The Cardiff Blues are keen to use Henry as director of rugby, which would be a role where he helped determine the long-term vision of the club and recruited new players.
There is also a chance he might be tempted by the vacant position as head coach of the USA Eagles. Former All Black selector Peter Thorburn took the Eagles to the World Cup but has now stood down. While the Eagles failed to win, they produced some eye-catching football and their efforts have netted them a substantial sponsorship deal. The chairman of USA Rugby is Kevin Roberts, the former NZRU board member who has close ties with Henry.
While Henry has previously said he wouldn't be interested in coaching another international side, the prospect of working with a second-tier nation with enormous potential might be different. Roberts has the energy, drive and corporate contacts to flood the US game with money and could make a compelling pitch for Henry.
Otherwise, Henry is likely to be targeted for a head coaching job by several major European clubs. The Northern Hemisphere season kicked off in September but many clubs will already be looking to recruit for 2008-09.
Henry and assistants Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen were unavailable to talk about their plans, with all three saying they would speak once they had made a decision about their future. Henry has confirmed that if he does reapply, neither of his assistants would run against him. Hansen might apply on his own once Henry confirms he is not in the running. Smith is not expected to apply.
