Henry reapplies for All Blacks coaching job

ALL BLACKS coach Graham Henry has re-applied for his job following the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) decision to make the position contestable after the team’s failed World Cup campaign.

Henry, 61, just beat yesterday’s deadline to apply for the job after the NZRU rejected a proposal to reappoint his coaching team, which included Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith, after the All Blacks were knocked out in the World Cup quarter-finals.

“I have applied for the All Blacks coaching position because I believe I can add further value,” Henry said. “I’m passionate about coaching and this team. Obviously the Rugby World Cup was a big disappointment and I am responsible, but I believe we can learn from that experience and develop into an even stronger All Blacks team in the future.”

The NZRU said that seven candidates had applied for the job. It declined to name any applicants due to privacy legislation.

“Once a shortlist of candidates is finalised we intend to ask the applicants to agree to be named, given the strong public interest in both the role and the process,” NZRU board member Mike Eagle said.

Canterbury Crusaders coach Robbie Deans, who was also suggested as a candidate for the vacant Australian coaching job, Ian Foster (Waikato Chiefs) and Colin Cooper (Wellington Hurricanes) are all reported to have applied for the position.

Deans has been touted by the New Zealand media as the hot favourite to succeed Henry after winning four Super titles and reaching two other finals and a semi-final in his eight years in charge of the Christchurch-based franchise.

Henry’s deputies Smith and Hansen both said they would be happy to work with him again as a panel.

“Graham has my full support. I believe that we three coaches have worked well together over the last four years,” said Hansen.

“We have learned a lot... (and) we’d like the opportunity to use that knowledge to improve the team further.”

A decision is expected by the end of December.

In other news, Connacht are hopeful that former skipper John Fogarty and Ireland A second row David Gannon will be fit for Friday night’s clash with Glasgow at the Sportsground. The pair missed the 30-13 loss to Ulster at the weekend. Fogarty is troubled by a hamstring while Gannon has a shoulder injury.

Meanwhile, Munster Rugby has appointed John Cantwell as the stadium director for the new Thomond Park. He has been general manager of Mahon Point Shopping Centre in Cork since 2004 and will be responsible for developing the strategic plan for the stadium in addition to directing all operational issues for matches and stadium events.

The €40m development of the new Limerick rugby stadium is scheduled for completion in September 2008 with a capacity of 26,000. The new facilities will include two large suites with seating capacities of 500 and 200.