All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith has been linked with the soon‑to‑be vacant director of rugby role at Harlequins.
Conor O'Shea is set to step down at the end of the season, having guided the club to the Premiership title in 2012.
Smith, currently on sabbatical following last year's Rugby World Cup success with New Zealand, is understood to be in talks with the London club.
Smith has been part of the All Blacks' coaching staff during their back‑to‑back World Cup titles and helped the Chiefs win Super Rugby in 2012 and 2013.
