Rugby: Highlanders in talks with Joe Schmidt

Joe Schmidt. Photo / Getty

Highlanders CEO Roger Clark has confirmed that last year's Super Rugby champions are pursuing the services of current Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt.

Talking to Tony Veitch, Clark said they had called the former Blues assistant coach and that his potential comeback to New Zealand could provide him with an opportunity to take the All Blacks head coach job when Steve Hansen departs.

With Tony Brown signing a one-year contract with the Highlanders for next season, and Hansen rumored to be staying with the All Blacks until 2019, Clark said it was a good opportunity for Schmidt to get involved with Super Rugby and put his name forward for the All Blacks job.