Rugby: Chiefs open up coach hunt

Tony Hanks. Photo / Getty Images

The chiefs have gone global and are advertising for a new coach.

Warren Gatland was approached about the job that will become vacant after this year's campaign, but the former All Black hooker extended his contract with Wales through to 2015.

It is thought other high profile names were gently sounded out about succeeding Ian Foster who will stand down in July, after eight seasons at the helm.

But without a standout candidate and some experienced coaches tied in to current contracts, the Chiefs in conjunction with the New Zealand Rugby Union have opted to open the job to the market and have called for applications.

Chiefs chief executive Gary Dawson, says: "I don't think it was any secret that we were talking to Warren Gatland but he has re-signed with Wales.

"We are now having a look to see who is out there and will go through the process. We have an open mind and will work through the applications.

"We will select a shortlist and then hopefully be ready to make an announcement at the end of April."

A handful of coaches with links to the region are working offshore. John Mitchell is with the Lions and contracted through to 2012. While results might be hard at the moment, the province has been bought by two investors who have the money and ambition to turn things around.

Butch James has signed and the Lions are also chasing Bakkies Botha. Vern Cotter, formerly of the Bay of Plenty, is coaching Clermont, the defending Top 14 champions. Revered in France and contracted until 2012, it would take a big offer to lure Cotter home as well as a compensation package to Clermont if he were to break his contract early.

Neither of those two appear likely applicants but intriguingly, just three days before the post was advertised, former Waikato coach Tony Hanks parted company with Wasps. He joined the London outfit as director of rugby in 2009 but, after a promising start, Wasps have spluttered for the last 12 months. They are sixth in the Premiership and were dumped out of the Heineken Cup in pool rounds.

"Results have not gone as we would have liked this season, and we have been disappointed with recent performances," said Wasps chief executive Chris Thomas.

"Tony has been equally disappointed with how things are going on the pitch, as he has always been committed to the club with a strong desire to see it succeed. Both parties believe the time is right for change to give the squad a fresh start, and the club is looking forward."

Dawson said Hanks had made contact before the official announcement to say a split was imminent. While Hanks, as a former Waikato coach with international experience, would be an eligible and strong candidate, Dawson stressed nothing had been pre-determined.

Local coaches such as Milton Haig and Tom Coventry are expected to apply and both have reason to be confident they can at least make the shortlist.