John Plumtree will not apply to replace Wayne Smith on Steve Hansen's All Blacks coaching team.

Smith will finish up as All Blacks assistant coach after the Rugby Championship.

Plumtree told Newstalk ZB that he wanted to put his family first.

'At this stage of my life, I've still got three boys at home and I've got a big part to play in their lives as a dad,' said the former Sharks head coach. 'I just want to be home and doing my thing with them.

'Right now it's important that I'm a good dad and a good coach for the Hurricanes.

'Being involved with the All Blacks is something I always wanted to do, but family comes first for me right now, so I won't be applying for that job.'

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