New Zealand Rugby has started the process to appoint Steve Hansen’s successor and hopes to have a new All Blacks head coach by the end of December.

The search for a new coach comes after Hansen’s decision to step away from the role earlier this year. NZR has already started inviting applications from coaches who are familiar with the All Blacks environment.

Interviews and negotiations will be conducted throughout November and early December, with NZR announcing the new head coach before the Christmas break.

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The appointment panel includes incoming NZR chair Brent Impey and former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry.

‘This is a hugely exciting time for New Zealand Rugby,’ Impey said. ‘We know that the All Blacks and New Zealand have been well served by exceptional coaches, so we are well aware of the importance of the task ahead.’

According to the New Zealand Herald, 26 coaches have been invited to apply for the vacant role. Impey has confirmed that Japan coach Jamie Joseph was among the list of candidates. However, outgoing Ireland coach Joe Schmidt is not expected to enter the running as he has temporarily stepped away from coaching for family reasons.

Joseph’s assistant coach Tony Brown revealed on New Zealand television that he turned down the opportunities from both Ian Foster and Scott Robertson to join their potential All Blacks coaching teams.

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