Joe Schmidt is being actively targeted to replace Dave Rennie as Chiefs coach in 2018.
Rennie has stated his interest in coaching in Europe following six years in charge of the Waikato franchise, a period that included the capturing of Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013.
“Joe is definitely a guy we’d be interested in having a discussion with,” said Chiefs CEO Andrew Flaxman. “I’ve been made aware of the fact there’s the potential for him to look at moving home next year and there’s been some attention around the Highlanders having some interest in him.”
Guiding Ireland to back-to-back Six Nations championships drew mild credit in New Zealand rugby circles but winning a test match in South Africa last month appears to have convinced many Kiwis that Schmidt would be the man to replace Steve Hansen as All Black coach after the 2019 World Cup.
The NZRU has a preference to promoting from their Super Rugby teams but also want the All Black coach to have gained international experience.
“If he was to return, given his pedigree and personal circumstances and the fact he’s coached in the Bay of Plenty, he’s certainly a guy we’d love to talk to,” Flaxman added. “Given what he’s achieved in his coaching career if we are looking to appoint a new head coach he’d be an obvious candidate.”
Highlanders CEO Roger Clark is already on record stating Schmidt would be a leading candidate to replace Tony Brown as head coach in 2018. Brown is joining former Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph as assistance coach of Japan for the 2019 World Cup.
It is also being reported that NZRU High Performance manager Don Tricker - the same role David Nucifora holds in Ireland - has been in recent contact with Schmidt.
“Out of respect to the coaches we prefer to keep these conversations private,” said Tricker.
Schmidt’s contract as Ireland head coach ends in July 2017. Nucifora indicated in May that steps have already been taken in the event that the 50 year old rejects an extension.
Recently appointed defence coach Andy Farrell, Connacht coach Pat Lam and now Rennie would be the immediate candidates to take over.
