Rugby: Henry won't commit to European club

Former All Black coach Graham Henry has said he wants only to spend about 10 weeks a year in Europe - and has poured cold water on suggestions he could be linked with the Cardiff Blues or even the England rugby coaching job.

Henry, currently in Wales ahead of his custodianship of the Barbarians against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday, also said it was time for Wales to ditch the tag of "heroic losers" and stamp their authority on the world game.

Henry has been linked with a possible role at the Blues, and many pundits in England would like to see him take over as head coach following the departure of Martin Johnson.

But the 65-year-old confirmed he is only interested in an advisory role with a European club. According to Wales Online, Henry said: "I can see myself being in this part of the world for perhaps 10 weeks a year. I'd like to be able to contribute and enjoy that contribution.

"Hopefully it may be beneficial to a club in this part of the world."

He also told the Daily Express: "I am thinking maybe 10 weeks of the year, not all in one block but maybe in three different blocks." Asked about reports he could link up with the Blues, Henry said: "I think that is a bit of a long shot. I'd like to spend some time in Europe but I want to live in New Zealand. Our kids are there and we have five grandchildren. I think it is important we are there."

Henry praised the national side's performances in New Zealand but said they had to start winning the games that really matter. Wales lost their opening World Cup clash against South Africa by a single point and they also suffered a one-point defeat in the semifinal against France.

"Wales played very well. They played some very good football and were very unlucky to lose the first game against South Africa. The Welsh should have won by a considerable margin, I thought.

" It is all right being heroic losers but at the end of the day we, meaning the Welsh, have got to get across that line more often."