The Scarlets are in discussions with Brad Mooar amid increasing speculation linking him to a role in the new All Blacks coaching team.
Ian Foster’s appointment as successor to Steve Hansen as New Zealand head coach prompted reports on the other side of the world that Mooar could be wanted for an assistant coach job in the set-up along with John Plumtree, Scott McLeod, Greg Feek and David Hill.
Neither the New Zealand Rugby Union nor the Scarlets have yet spoken publicly about the rumours.
But it is believed the west Wales region are in talks with Mooar as fears grow that he could be poised for a return to his homeland.
The former lawyer started work in Llanelli barely four months ago, but he has made a hugely favourable impression with his easy manner, intelligence and sharp inter-personal skills.
He has also steered a Scarlets squad missing players because of Test commitments to five wins from seven Guinness PRO14 matches and two wins from three in the European Challenge Cup.
The assumption is the Scarlets would be anxious to retain him, with Mooar also having engaged positively with their fan base.
But press reports in New Zealand continue to see him as part of the All Blacks’ new world post-Hansen, with the Stuff website saying of Foster on Thursday: “His four assistants are yet to be confirmed, but it's understood Hurricanes coach John Plumtree, former Ireland scrum coach Greg Feek, former Crusaders assistant and current Scarlets head coach Brad Mooar, and Scott McLeod and David Hill will join him.”
A huge call awaits, then, one Mooar is expected to make imminently.
