New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs announced today applications would be called for the position of All Blacks coach.
Hobbs told AllBlacks.com current coach John Mitchell, whose contract expires next month, was invited to apply for the highly sought position.
"John Mitchell's contract expires at the end of December this year. All interested parties, including John Mitchell, are invited to make applications for the position," Hobbs said.
"The board believes that it is necessary to conduct an open and transparent process to ensure that the best possible candidate is appointed to this most important position.
"In addition the directors wish to give all coaches the opportunity to aspire to be appointed to this pre-eminent New Zealand rugby coaching position.
Heavyweight committee
Hobbs said an influential three-man committee would review New Zealand’s performance at Rugby World Cup 2003 after the All Blacks exited the Tournament following their 22-10 semi final loss to Australia last Saturday.
"The successful candidate for the position will be decided by the full board of the New Zealand Rugby Union," Hobbs said.
"However, to oversee and manage the appointment process, the Board has established a committee comprising NZRU director Mike Eagle, NZRU vice-president and former All Blacks captain John Graham and NZRU CEO Chris Moller."
Early decision
Hobbs said Mitchell and his management team were told of the decision after the All Blacks 40-13 victory over France in the play-off for third place in Sydney on Thursday night, adding the decision to open up the head coaching position had been made before the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.
"He was very professional in the way he greeted the decision," said Hobbs.
Asked if he felt the All Blacks were out-coached by the Wallabies in the semi final, Hobbs said: "I wouldn't' say we were out-coached, but I think we were out-thought. They played a very smart game of rugby against us."
Well credentialled candidates
While Mitchell has reiterated his desire to continue as All Blacks coach, others are also likely to put up their hand.
According to the BBC, former British Lions and Wales coach Graham Henry is one leading coach set to apply for the post.
Henry was last week appointed the Auckland National Provincial Championship coach for the next two seasons.
"This opportunity has got me excited," Henry said, adding New Zealand’s top post was something he, "held dear for a long, long time and I'd love to do it".
The NZRU hope to have the selection process completed prior to the end of the year.