Ireland head coach, Joe Schmidt, turned down an offer for him to become part of the All Blacks coaching team.
NZ Rugby CEO, Steve Tew, confirmed to the New Zealand Herald that Schmidt rejected the approach in late 2017 to replace Wayne Smith in Steve Hansen's backroom team. Smith retired from coaching following the 2017 Rugby Championship.
The offer would have seen Schmidt work alongside Hansen assistant, Ian Foster, with one of them succeeding the current head coach when he departs.
Schmidt signed a three-year extension to his Ireland contract in 2016.
The New Zealand native confirmed last month that he will step down as Ireland head coach following next year's World Cup in Japan.
"I have decided to finish coaching and will prioritise family commitments," said Schmidt.
The 53-year-old had been among the favourites to replace Hansen.
Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
