Henry approached by PIRA

All Blacks coach Graham Henry revealed that before replacing John Mitchell in his current position he was approached by the Pacific Island Rugby Alliance (PIRA) to lead the Pacific Islanders team into battle.

Henry was approached by the newly-formed PIRA last year, while the former Wales mentor was the technical advisor for the Blues during the Super 12.

And while Henry showed interest in the position it came at an inopportune time - with the Super 12 already at the half-way mark.

"It was discussed at some length [but] I don't think Auckland were that keen because it was a conflict of interest at the time," Henry told the New Zealand Press Association.

Henry, who was in charge of the British and Irish Lions team in 2001 during their tour of Australia, will instead front the Islanders next opponents - with the All Blacks gearing up to meet international rugby's latest addition in Albany on Saturday.

The Islanders have already got their first Test under their belt after going down 29-14 to the Wallabies in Adelaide on Saturday. And while the result did not go their way, the composite team showed that they will pose more than just an idle threat to the bigger Unions in the future.

Henry was fully behind the Islanders concept and was backing it for the future.

"They're an exciting group of people. I think the concept's superb, a bit like the Lions really, I think it's got a good future," Henry said.

"It's another highly talented team playing international football. It could develop into something immense really."