Mitchell says the Welsh Rugby Union should appoint a Welshman

Mitchell said he intends to see out his three-year deal with Australia's newly formed Super 14 side Western Force.

And the ex-England assistant suggested Wales should appoint a home-grown coach, pointing to Llanelli Scarlets' Gareth Jenkins as an ideal candidate.

"He totally understands the passion and the personality of the Welsh and what it takes to make them click," he said.

"I think he would be an outstanding candidate. But a head coach is only as good as the support team he builds around him. He can't do it on his own.

Jenkins does not want Wales job

"It's not just about coaching on the field - there's an enormous PA role, there's a lot of internal and external relationships you need to manage to be successful."

The Welsh Rugby Union has appointed a five-man panel to conduct a worldwide search for the next national coach.

I'm still a great believer that a national coach should come from that country John Mitchell

And Mitchell, who won 26 out of 30 games in charge of the All Blacks between 2001 and 2003, would appear to have exactly the type of credentials the WRU is looking for.

But despite enduring a torrid start with Western Force, the 42-year-old said he has no desire to follow fellow countrymen Graham Henry and Steve Hansen in taking charge of Wales.

"It's a real no-goer for me at this moment," Mitchell, who has lost all six Super 14 games this season, told BBC Radio Wales' Back Page programme.

"I'm enjoying what I'm doing and my family are settled. It's been a fantastic experience and challenge to take on a new organisation. I've got a lot young guys who have never been at this level before.

"I'm lucky I've got an organisation that's very much thinking long-term, so I'm really grateful for that.

"I've got a three-year contract and I'm totally committed to that. I'll be looking for a further tenure after my three years so I'm in no hurry to move anywhere."

Kirwan said it would be an honour to coach Wales

Former All Blacks winger John Kirwan is so far the only person to confirm his interest in coaching Wales.

But Mitchell has advised the WRU to narrow their search to their own backyard.

He said: "I'm still a great believer that a national coach should come from that country.

"It's all very well having expertise from other nations, but I think you get far more passion and sense of community from a national coach that comes from that country."

Mitchell, regarded as one of the world's best forwards coach, was sacked as New Zealand coach after their semi-final defeat to Australia in the 2003 World Cup.

The whole experience seems to have left a nasty taste in his mouth as the former lock sounded indifferent about returning to the international scene.

"It's always a difficult job," said Mitchell. "International coaching is very intermittent. It's very heroic and full of euphoria when you're appoint national coach , but all national coaches exit with a bang.

"It's a very unthankful position and you have to be a very strong minded person and stick to your principles to be successful.

"And you need all the administrators to be totally committed to the programme.

"It's always a challenge, but there are always people around prepared to take on that challenge."

*John Mitchell was speaking to BBC Radio Wales' The Back Page programme, which has a regular slot on Saturdays, 0830-0900 BST

The Back Page