A LEADING New Zealander is in the running for the post of Wales forwards coach in succession to Lyn Howells.

He flew in yesterday to be interviewed by a Welsh Rugby Union panel which included national coach Graham Henry and director of rugby Terry Cobner.

Also interviewed for the same position was Leigh Jones, the former Ebbw Vale coach who is now director of rugby for Gwent.

If he is successful it would mean Jones giving up his Gwent post. Also interviewed yesterday was Clive Griffiths of Swansea, the former Wales rugby league coach who is expected to be appointed new Wales defence coach.

The two positions have to be ratified by the WRU at their general committee meeting tonight ahead of an announcement tomorrow.

It is understood the two successful coaches in charge of defence and the forwards will each be on a salary of £70,000.

On top of that Henry wants the WRU to appoint two assistant coaches on a part-time basis.

Cardiff's Geraint John, part of the current Welsh coaching team, is favourite for one of these jobs.

Also expected to be confirmed tonight is the post of Wales team manager, likely to go to Alan Phillips.

The position has been vacant since the decision of David Pickering to resign for personal reasons after the final Six Nations game of the season against Italy in Rome.

Phillips is favourite ahead of Nigel Walker, who is already part of the management team, because he already does the job for Wales A and is a member of the general committee, considered vit