Ospreys focus on another Kiwi

Tuesday 08th July 2008

With the rumours of Steve Hansen's arrival comprehensively ended by his application to the Crusaders and the NZRU's refusal to let him go, attention in Wales is now focussing on Chiefs coach Ian Foster as a possible candidate for the Ospreys job.

Former coach Lyn Jones' assistant Sean Holley, aided by former Wales captain Jonathan Humphreys, is currently filling the role on a caretaker basis while Elite Performance director Andrew Hore conducts a 'global search' for a full-time replacement.

Foster is contracted to the Chiefs until 2009, but has both Hore and Welsh national coach Warren Gatland on his side - Foster's incumbency in the Chiefs role ensured Gatland was available to take the Welsh job on at the time.

Hore is believed to have recommended Foster be on the list of candidates for the national job at the time as well.

The Ospreys have said they are comfortable starting the season with Holley while the search goes on, also hinting that a southern hemisphere appointment is likely once the season ends in October.