Clermont rugby coach Vern Cotter has confirmed he has been invited to apply for the New Zealand coaching position vacated by World Cup-winning coach Graham Henry.
"I appreciated the invitation and I was happy to tell them that I'm interested," Cotter told French newspaper L'Equipe.
"Coaching the All Blacks is an exciting challenge ... I remain totally focused on my work in Clermont, but I'm still passionate about rugby in New Zealand."
All Blacks' assistant Steve Hansen is seen as Henry's logical successor.
However Cotter, who was assistant to current Australia coach Robbie Deans at the Crusaders in 2005 and 2006, is seen as a strong contender.
Cotter joined Clermont five years ago and led them to their first French title last year.
Short-listed candidates will be interviewed next month.
