The Scarlets have issued a statement over Brad Mooar, confirming they are in talks with New Zealand Rugby over the region’s wanted head coach.
New All Blacks team boss Ian Foster is reportedly eager for him to be part of a stellar coaching set-up that could also involve ex-Swansea coach John Plumtree.
The Scarlets had opted to keep quiet on the matter amid rumours that former lawyer Mooar was keen to return to his homeland and pursue the option supposedly dangled his way by Foster.
But now the west Walians have broken their silence by issuing a short update, saying: “We have been made aware that newly-appointed All Blacks head coach Ian Foster would like Scarlets head coach Brad Mooar to join his New Zealand coaching team at the end of the 2019-20 season.
“Discussions between the Scarlets and New Zealand Rugby are at an early stage and we are unable to comment further until those discussions are concluded.
“In the meantime, Brad, the coaching team and playing group, are firmly focused on this evening's crucial European Challenge Cup match against Bayonne, followed by the big Welsh derby matches over the festive season."
The statement doesn’t make clear whether Mooar wants to be part of Foster’s new All Blacks set-up.
But the Scarlets and New Zealand Rugby have to be talking about something and it seems reasonable to assume their deliberations are over a potential release package that could include compensation for the services of a coach who has two-and-a-half years left on his contract in Llanelli.
If that is the case, the Scarlets will look to secure a fair deal for a team boss who has impressed in the short period he has been in Wales, overseeing seven wins from his first 10 games in charge and engaging confidently with supporters and media.
Mooar will be at Parc y Scarlets this evening when his team face Bayonne in the European Challenge Cup.
