Henry reapplies for All Black job

Graham Henry has signalled his intent to remain as New Zealand coach by reapplying for the post.

Earlier this month the New Zealand Rugby Union opened up a "contestable process" to appoint the next national coach after Henry oversaw the All Blacks' worst-ever World Cup campaign.

Although the All Blacks suffered a quarter-final defeat by hosts France, Henry guided them to 42 victories in 48 Tests after taking charge in 2003.

The former Wales coach was therefore invited to reapply, and after consulting assistant coaches Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith, he announced his desire to fight for his job before applications closed on Monday.

Robbie Deans will be his leading rival having led the Canterbury Crusaders to success in the Super 14, while Junior All Blacks coaches Colin Cooper and Ian Foster have also applied.

In a statement released through the NZRU, Henry (61) said he believes he still has much to offer.

He said: "I have applied for the All Blacks coaching position because I believe I can add further value. I'm passionate about coaching and this team.

"Obviously the Rugby World Cup was a big disappointment and I am responsible, but I believe we can learn from that experience and develop into an even stronger All Blacks team in the future."

Hansen was expected to apply for the head coach role in his own right but he and Smith have decided to back Henry's cause.

"I support Graham Henry and would be available to coach with him again," said Smith.

"We're all gutted by the World Cup result, especially after the success the team had in the four years before that. Personally, it's made me more determined to look for improvements and to find a new level of success if given the chance."

Deans was an assistant to Henry's predecessor John Mitchell as the All Blacks were knocked out of the 2003 semi-finals, also by France, and this year's failure means the All Blacks have gone 20 years without lifting the World Cup since winning the inaugural competition in 1987.  PA