Dowd shortlisted for 'Naki job
Fri, 23 Nov 2007 10:03
Former All Black Craig Dowd is believed to be on a shortlist of five vying for Taranaki's top rugby coaching job. The five were interviewed for a second time on Monday and Tuesday after being chosen from an original list of 19 applicants. No one at the Taranaki Rugby Football Union (TRFU) would reveal details, but the Taranaki Daily News reports that Dowd, current coach Kieran Crowley, former Taranaki hooker Shane McDonald, Wanganui coach Milton Haig and Hurricanes skills coach Jonathan Phillips are in the mix. All Blacks backs coach Wayne Smith joined the TRFU selection panel of chief executive Mark Robinson, president Bryce McEldowney, chairman Peter Crawford and director Martin Dravitzki for the final interviews. "We haven't made a decision yet but hope to do so by the middle of next week," said Robinson. He would not be drawn on the names of the five shortlisted. "I won't qualify any names you suggest but we are comfortable with where we are at." It is understood Dowd, the London Wasps forward coach in the English premiership, was keen to return to coach in New Zealand. He is believed to have also applied and missed positions with the Manawatu Academy and Counties. Dowd, 38, debuted for the All Blacks as a 23-year-old against the British Lions in 1993 and went on to play a total of 67 matches, including 60 tests. Crowley, coach for the past five winters, confirmed he had made the final five but was unaware of who the other four were. Haig was saying nothing, citing confidentiality agreements with the union. Robinson said the standard of the 19 applicants was high. "There was a mix from within Taranaki and New Zealand, as well as overseas interest," he said. "We have made our final list and will discuss the final interviews and decide on the coach over the next few days." Crawford said Smith was brought in for the final interviews because of his "expertise and knowledge of what is required to be successful in the tough world that is professional rugby".
