No link with the Irish, yet: Ewen McKenzie EWEN McKenzie admits he could be interested in coaching Ireland, but emphasises he has had no contact with anyone about the role that has become vacant after the sacking of Declan Kidney. When McKenzie announced a few weeks ago he was leaving the Queensland Reds at the end of the Super Rugby season to pursue an international coaching career, his name was immediately linked with the struggling Irish team. But he dismissed speculation he is one of the frontrunners for the job. "I haven't spoken to anyone about the job," McKenzie said. I haven't done anything about the job. It wasn't vacant until this morning. No one has contacted me. I need to look at my options. That level interests me. I've already said that. The circumstances have to be right. The timing has to be right. I'm not stressing about it. We'll see what happens. McKenzie's preference would be to coach the Wallabies, but Robbie Deans will retain that job, pending results against the British and Irish Lions and the All Blacks this year. Even if the ARU did not renew Deans's contract at the end of the year, McKenzie would face stiff competition from Brumbies coach Jake White, who guided the Springboks to victory at the 2007 World Cup in France. This means Ireland could become a realistic option for McKenzie. Ireland's Australian defence coach, Les Kiss, will act as interim coach on the team's tour of the US and Canada in June, while the IRFU searches for a long-term replacement. The timing is ideal for a Super Rugby coach because he would be able to take over the Irish team for the autumn internationals in November. But McKenzie would not be the only candidate if he did put his hand up. New Zealander Joe Schmidt is highly regarded in Ireland after guiding Irish province Leinster to two Heineken Cup victories. If Schmidt wanted the Irish job, it is believed he would get it. Meanwhile, another Australian, Scott Johnson, is in discussions to take over the head coaching role with Scotland. Johnson, Scotland's assistant coach, took over from Andy Robinson and guided the Dark Blues in the recent Six Nations championship in which they improved to finish equal third with wins against Italy and Ireland.