Vern Cotter took Clermont to the Top 14 title in 2010 © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Vern Cotter

Tournaments/Tours: Top 14 Orange

Teams: Clermont Auvergne | France | New Zealand

Clermont Auvergne coach Vern Cotter has expressed his interest in the vacant All Blacks coaching post.

Graham Henry's assistant Steve Hansen appears to be the favourite for the post - having served for eight years under the World Cup winning coach - but New Zealand-born Cotter has a good record at Clermont and has experience in Super Rugby. Cotter was Robbie Deans' assistant at the Crusaders in 2005-6 and has also spent time with the Bay of Plenty.

Having led Clermont to the Top 14 title in 2010, Cotter re-committed to the French giants a matter of months ago, but his contract is believed to have included a release clause if the All Blacks came knocking. And Cotter has confirmed his interest in the post to L' Equipe.

"Yes, I am a candidate for the job,'' Cotter said. "I am fully committed to the work I have with Clermont ... but I still have a passion for New Zealand rugby. I want to play a part.''