Former Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt will not be the next All Blacks boss after pulling out of the race to take the top job.
Reports emerged earlier this week that the Kiwi was interested in taking over the head coach position of his homeland when current boss Ian Foster steps down at the conclusion of this year's World Cup in France.
On Saturday evening however, Schmidt confirmed that he would not be seeking the top job when it becomes available at the end of this year.
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"I have really enjoyed being back on the grass coaching with the (Auckland) Blues and the All Blacks,” Schmidt said.
"I very much appreciate those opportunities, but presented with a condensed time frame this year, I won’t be applying for any coaching roles that extend beyond the Rugby World Cup.
"In the shorter term, I will work hard to support the All Blacks in 2023."
Current boss Foster has overseen a period where New Zealand's aura has been slightly diminished with nine defeats in 34 test matches.
These defeats include two losses to Ireland on home soil in the Summer of 2022 when Ireland became just the fifth touring side in history to win a series in New Zealand.
Schmidt has been part of Foster's backroom staff since that series with Ireland. It was his first role on the International scene since he stepped down as Ireland head coach at the conclusion of the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
The 57-year-old has long been linked with the All Blacks job off the back of a sterling career with Leinster and Ireland. Under Schmidt's stewardship, Ireland took home Six Nations titles in 2014 and 2015 before landing a third grand slam in the side's history in 2018.
Japan coach Jamie Joseph and Crusaders boss Scott Robertson are the two favourites for the job now Schmidt has ruled himself out of contention.
The New Zealand Rugby Union has intimated that an announcement will be made on Foster's successor in the coming weeks.
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