Rugby coach

Gatland told The Telegraph that he was one of the 26 New Zealanders in the running to be the next All Blacks head coach, vacated by Steve Hansen after the World Cup, but he's chosen to stick with his commitment to lead the Lions to South Africa in 2021 instead.

"They (NZR) appreciated it, they understood it," Gatland said. "I just think it would look poor me applying [for the All Blacks job]. It wouldn't sit well with me, having already made those commitments to the other two parties."

He said he also wanted to remain faithful to the Chiefs, who he signed with in June.

Premiership strugglers Northampton sacked director of rugby Jim Mallinder last week and Pivac has been linked with the vacancy at Franklin's Gardens.

Pivac led Scarlets to the Pro12 title last season and, having only signed a new two-year contract in October, the New Zealander said he has no interest in a move to Northampton.

"I have just re-signed with the Scarlets so I am not going anywhere and I haven't spoken with Northampton, I have no intentions of speaking to Northampton," the former police officer said.

RNZ reports applications closed on Friday to replace Damian McGrath, who was sacked following Samoa's failure to qualify for the Rio Olympics.

Tomokino coached the Samoa Under 20s team to victory at the Junior World Trophy this year.

He's also in charge of the Manusina sevens and fifteens teams, and was recently appointed Manu Samoa team manager.

"I came close last year when Damian got that appointment so I just thought it would be an opportune time to have a go at it again and see what happens."