The World Cup-winning New Zealand coach, Graham Henry, has indicated a willingness to work for the Rugby Football Union. The 65-year-old, who stepped down from his role with the All Blacks after their victory against France in the World Cup final in Auckland on Sunday, said he wanted to stay involved in the game.
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Henry said: "Yes, I would talk to the RFU, sure. I couldn't just not do anything. I would love to help other people.
"I'm particularly proud about the environment we created in this All Blacks team. I would love to work in coach development, player development, environmental development, cultural development of a group of people. I'm passionate about that."
Henry, who coached Wales between 1998 and 2002 and the Lions in Australia in 2001, led New Zealand to two World Cups. In the first, in France in 2007, the All Blacks were beaten by the hosts in a quarter-final staged in Cardiff.
Under pressure to make changes the New Zealand Rugby Union elected to reappoint Henry and his assistants, Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith. Hansen is now favoured to succeed Henry as the All Blacks head coach.
Since England's quarter-final defeat at this year's tournament, at the hands of the French, Henry has indicated his opinion that Martin Johnson, the England team manager who is subject to an RFU review, should not lose his job.
Henry returned to that theme yesterday. "Too many people with real ability get shot because of a result," he said. "Replacing a coach because of a result or because of public pressure or media pressure is not the right thing to do. Replacing a coach because he's not good enough is the right thing to do. Look at all the successful coaches around the world. They've got longevity."
The RFU post of professional rugby director would suit Henry's stated ambitions but it is filled by Rob Andrew, who is preparing his own review of England's failed World Cup campaign.
The post carries responsibility for all England teams and the national academies. The former England prop Fran Cotton is preparing a report on the entire England set-up.
Henry, who is on a post-World Cup holiday, has accepted an invitation to coach the Barbarians when they play Australia at Twickenham on 26 November.
