Over the weekend, former All Blacks out-half and current Highlanders head coach Tony Brown was named as a 'leading contender' to succeed Pat Lam at Connacht by the Sunday Times.
However, Brown who has agreed to coach Super Rugby side Highlanders for just this season, had already agreed a move to Japan where he will become part of the national team set-up with new head coach Jamie Joseph.
Speaking to Japanese media, Brown dismissed the speculation.
That's the first I've heard about it. I am contracted to Japan until after the World Cup in 2019.
According to Galway-based journalist John Fallon, writing in the Irish Sun, another New Zealander has been installed as a major contender for the job at the Sportsground.
John McKee is the man who could be steering the Connacht ship once Lam departs. Currently head coach of Fiji - a position which he has held since 2014 - McKee is no stranger to the west coast of Ireland. He was an assistant coach to Michael Bradley between 2002 and 2005.
He is also well-known to the IRFU's performance director David Nucifora, a man who will have a say in who is appointed as next Connacht head coach. The two worked together in Australia.
McKee coached Fiji at the 2015 World Cup and is contracted to the side until the next tournament in Japan.
See Also: Former Ireland Star's Son Named In France U20s Squad For Six Nations
Photo by Oliver McVeigh/Sportsfile
