Steve Hansen has been linked with the Ospreys

Former Wales coach Steve Hansen wants to take over at Super 14 Canterbury and continue as assistant All Blacks coach.

He told Radio Sport in New Zealand: "What I'd like to do is do both jobs. It's an opportunity for me to do a bit of head coaching if I got the job.

"I'd also keep my role with the All Blacks. I've put my name in the hat and I'm in discussions with both."

BBC Sport Wales understands Hansen is also among those being considered for the Ospreys role vacated by Lyn Jones.

606: DEBATE Who should succeed Lyn Jones as Ospreys coach?

Hansen added: "My discussions are mainly with the New Zealand Rugby Union to establish whether they're happy with me to do both roles.

"I really enjoy coaching with Wayne (Smith) and Graham (Henry). It just allows you to have further challenges. That's why we coach."

Ospreys elite performance director Andrew Hore worked with Hansen when the New Zealanders were part of the Wales coaching set-up.

Hansen guided Wales to the 2003 World Cup quarter-finals and left after the 2004 Six Nations to team up once more with Henry as part of the All Blacks coaching team.

No-one was available for comment at Canterbury-based Crusaders, who are searching for a replacement for newly-installed Australia coach Robbie Deans.

Sean Holley and Jonathan Humphreys will guide the Ospreys into the start of the new season while Hore continues the hunt for Jones' successor.