Scarlets' Phil Davies and his three fellow Welsh regional coaches may be approached

There has been concern in Wales that none of the regional coaches were being viewed as realistic candidates.

By speaking to them informally, the Union can ease some of that pressure and give themselves options if their search abroad fails.

A three-man WRU panel has been in New Zealand seeking suitable candidates.

But the trio of WRU group chief executive Roger Lewis, chairman David Pickering and board representative Gerald Davies are returning home this week.

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There may now be informal talks with Cardiff Blues coach Dai Young, Ospreys coach Lyn Jones, Llanelli Scarlets' Phil Davies and Paul Turner at the Newport Gwent Dragons - although Turner has already publicly stated he is not ready for the national job.

These four home-grown men may become an option if the search down under proves to have been ultimately fruitless.

It is understood that New Zealanders Robbie Deans, Warren Gatland and Steve Hansen have all been approached along with current South Africa coach Jake White to replace the sacked Gareth Jenkins.

Another possibility could be the coach of the Chiefs Super 14 side, Ian Foster.

The WRU's search is complicated by New Zealand's review into their own premature World Cup exit.

Graham Henry is unlikely to be replaced as All Blacks head coach until December, making it difficult for ambitious New Zealand coaches to commit before that to a job abroad.

The Australia head coach job is also vacant after John Connolly stepped down, while the South Africa job will also be advertised to further muddy the waters.