Northland coach Bryce Woodward was a lone voice staking his claim to the top Highlanders job yesterday.
Of all the coaches canvassed by the Otago Daily Times on the day applications closed, the former New Zealand Colts coach was the only confirmed contender.
Neither of the Southland co-coaches, Simon Culhane and David Henderson, applied for the head coach position.
"I've got a lot on my plate at the moment and have not considered it," Culhane said.
Henderson said he had not applied for the role - the only job advertised - but would not rule out considering an assistant coaching post if he was approached.
Otago and former Reds coach Phil Mooney said he had not applied.
"I'm here to coach Otago," he said.
Highlanders assistant coach Peter Russell confirmed he had not applied either, as did Canterbury coach Rob Penney and New Zealand Colts and Manawatu coach Dave Rennie.
Glenn Moore, effectively sacked with a year remaining on his contract, could not be contacted for comment, nor could New Zealand Maori and Wellington coach Jamie Joseph.
