Crusaders assistant Dave Hewett is putting his hand up to replace Todd Blackadder as coach of the Super Rugby franchise.
The former All Blacks prop has joined fellow assistant Tabai Matson, Canterbury coach Scott Robertson and Hawke's Bay mentor Craig Philpott in expressing his intention to apply.
"It's certainly something I would like to put my name in the hat for," he said on Wednesday.
"Obviously there are some quality individuals who are going to do the same thing and there will probably be some people who will put their name in the hat that we haven't even considered, but I would certainly like to be considered."
Blackadder steps down at the end of the season after eight years in the job and applications to replace him close on May 11.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Hewett, who played 71 times for the Crusaders, has been part of the club's coaching staff since Blackadder's first season at the helm in 2009.
He said the calibre of candidates made it a good selection opportunity for the Crusaders and it was important the best person was chosen.
"I'm red and black through and through, so that is something that I think is really important - that the service is done to the franchise by selecting the correct person," he said.
Despite his allegiance to the Crusaders, Hewett hasn't ruled out considering the Highlanders position, which Jamie Joseph will vacate when he takes over as Japan national coach at the end of the season.
While it wasn't something Hewett had made inquiries about, "that is something I wouldn't be adverse to looking at as well".
