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Rugby Union

Henry re-applies for All Blacks

26/11/2007

Incumbent New Zealand rugby union head coach Graham Henry has revealed he is one of seven applicants for his own job despite a poor World Cup campaign.

The All Blacks were the overwhelming favourites to lift the Webb Ellis Cup in France earlier this year but were knocked out by the hosts in the quarter-finals.

It marked the fifth time in succession that the team had entered the tournament among the favourites but failed to live up to expectations, leaving the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) board no choice but to open the post for other applicants.

Despite public opinion being set against Henry's return as coach he has confirmed his belief that he can "add further value" to the role.

"I'm passionate about coaching and this team," he said.

"I believe we can develop into an even stronger team in the future."

Under Henry, the All Blacks won 42 of 48 matches but the NZRU have confirmed the 61-year-old has competition from six other candidates if he wants to continue.

However rugby committee chairman Mike Eagle said the applicants would not be named before a final shortlist is drawn up in December.

"At this stage, we are not at liberty to announce the names of the candidates due to the provisions of the Privacy Act," he said.

"But 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."