Wales are confident that a change of attitude in New Zealand will not cost them the services of Kiwi Graham Henry as their national coach.
The New Zealand RFU, who have effectively forced All Blacks coach Wayne Smith to apply for his own job when his contract ends this year by advertising the post, have also lifted the veto on Kiwis coaching abroad from ever taking charge.
But Henry's current Wales contract - which takes him through to the end of the 2003 World Cup - would appear to rule him out.
A Welsh Rugby Union spokesman said: "He has a job to do here and we are sure he will see it through".
Henry has in the past expressed a wish to coach the All Blacks in the future, and New Zealand RFU chairman Murray McCaw appeared to open the door when he stated: "Now is the time for New Zealand's best coaches to put their names forward".
But the Wales spokesman added: "Whoever takes over is still required to coach a provincial side in New Zealand for the first 12 months.
"The logistics of Graham returning and doing that before taking up the position, combined with his current contract here, just do not work out".
PA