The job of All Blacks head coach is up for grabs after New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs yesterday invited applications for the role.

John Mitchell's contract expires in December and though he has no intention of resigning after New Zealand finished a disappointing third at the World Cup, he will be forced to reapply for the job.

"All interested parties, including John Mitchell, are invited to make applications for the position," Hobbs said yesterday. "The board believes it is necessary to conduct an open and transparent process to ensure that the best possible candidate is appointed to this most important position."

Hobbs said the decision to make it a contestable process was made before the quarter-finals, where New Zealand turned in one of their best performances of the tournament to beat South Africa.

But for the second consecutive World Cup they were beaten favourites in the semi-final and questions were immediately raised about Mitchell's future.

One man thought to be in the frame is former Wales and British Lions coach Graham Henry, who recently returned to New Zealand rugby by signing on with Auckland.

Hobbs said the aim is to have the selection of the coach completed before the end of the year, though his official appointment may not be possible before that deadline.