Northland Rugby coach Bryce Woodward is in line to take over the reigns at the Highlanders as replacement for Glenn Moore who was in charge for the 2010 season.
Normally the freezing Otago temperatures are a bit of a negative for potential coaches but Woodward says that he has no qualms if that is where his future leads him.
The former New Zealand Under-21 coach has applied for the the head coach's role with Super 15 franchise the Highlanders and says that moving to Dunedin would not be a major hurdle for his family.
"My wife (Philippa) is a Dunedin girl and I went to university in Dunedin, so it wouldn't be a major hurdle as it would be for some," he told the Northern Advocate.
Applications to replace Moore closed on Wednesday and Woodward that he had applied as he had been looking to break into coaching at Super 15 level for some time.
"I have had a conflict of interest with my business before now ... I have had opportunities previously but didn't take them."
"But after selling my business (Reyburn and Bryant Planning and Surveying) and resigning as a director last year, I've freed myself up to take on any opportunities that may come up," he said.
Woodward has 20 years of coaching first-class rugby and feels that he as plenty to offer the struggling Dunedin-based franchise.
"It would be a big challenge but it's something I am keen to do.
" I have a lot of experience now - I've been coaching first-class rugby since 1999. I had four years (2002-2005) with the under-21s, and I am in my sixth year coaching Northland.
"You keep learning new things every year, so what I bring to the table is 20 years in the business of strategic planning, plus leadership skills - they would be my main strengths," he said.
There has been talk of All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen being involved with the Highlanders in the Super 15 and he would possibly take up a role as a technical adviser or assistant coach at the Highlanders. Woodward says that this would be beneficial.
"I think highly of Steve Hansen and I think he would add value to the team to have him involved and I would encourage his involvement if I was selected," Woodward said.
If Woodward is given the role with the Highlanders it would mean quitting coaching Northland at some point.
"Nothing is settled yet. If certain people who are rumoured to apply for the Highlanders job have applied then they will be well in front of me," he said.
"I anticipate getting an email saying one of two things in the next week - that the quality of applicants was too high and I didn't get an interview, or that I have got an interview."
Woodward also said that the Northland Rugby Union was aware of his desire to coach at Super 15 level and that he also plans to apply for the Blues assistant coach role which would see him working alongside Pat Lam.
Woodward believes he would also be able to continue his role at Northland if he was successful with his Auckland application.
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