New Zealand Rugby chairman Brett Impey says that Joe Schmidt is not in the running to replace Steve Hansen as head coach of the All Blacks.
Schmidt's six years as Ireland head coach ended following last month's disappointing World Cup exit to New Zealand. It was announced last year that Schmidt would be stepping away from the role following the tournament with defence coach Andy Farrell taking his place.
"Joe has made his position very clear," Impey told New Zealand media.
We've kept in close contact with Joe. His plan for family reasons is to step away from coaching.
He's returning to New Zealand to live at some point in the future. We see him as very valuable, but in the interim, Joe's made his position very clear.
New Zealand Rugby has invited 26 candidates to apply for the role. A five-person panel, which will include former All Blacks head coach Graham Henry, will decide who succeeds Hansen.
It is expected that the new head coach will be appointed before Christmas.
Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
