Gareth Jenkins says he feels the time was right to apply

The Scarlets boss looked set to get the job in 2004 only for the Welsh Rugby Union to appoint Mike Ruddock instead.

The snub stunned Jenkins, but he is now keen to have another go.

"I have met and discussed with people I have a big regard and respect for and they reassured me the process would be different this time," he said.

Jenkins, who saw his side lose the Powergen Cup final 26-10 to Wasps on Sunday, had vowed not to apply while WRU chairman David Pickering and chief executive Steve Lewis were still in charge.

Scarlets 10-26 Wasps

But the Scarlets chief appears to have modified his stance and is one of six candidates on the WRU's short-list, which is also believed to include Leeds director of rugby Phil Davies.

The decision by the WRU's 245 member clubs to call an Emergency General Meeting in the wake of Ruddock's shock departure in February may also have encouraged Jenkins there could now be changes on the executive board.

This is probably the last opportunity I have to coach international rugby Scarlets director of rugby Gareth Jenkins

But Pickering has said he expects the new coach to be appointed before the EGM scheduled for 14 May.

Jenkins had been favourite to replace Steve Hansen last time, only for the WRU to appoint Ruddock - who had not even applied for the job.

"The role of national coach will be viewed differently this time to last time. Those reassurances have encouraged me to apply for the job," Jenkins added.

"This is probably the last opportunity I have to coach international rugby. I have always wanted to and I want to be positive."