Ewen McKenzie confirms he is interested in replacing Declan Kidney as Ireland's new head coach Kidney left his post on Tuesday after the Irish Rugby Football Union decided not to offer him a new deal when his contract expires on June 30. On Wednesday Harlequins director of rugby Conor O'Shea ruled himself out of contention and Saracens chief executive Edward Griffiths said Mark McCall was committed to his club. McKenzie has been linked with the Ireland role since announcing he would step down as Queensland Reds head coach at the end of the Super Rugby season to pursue a job at international level. McKenzie, the former Australia prop, told Sydney's Daily Telegraph: "It's the type of job I am interested in looking at but there have been no discussions. I have stated I would like the Wallabies job but it's all in the timing. You have to look around what's available when you're looking for a job. Joel Schmidt is a strong contender for the Ireland post having guided Leinster to back-to-back Heineken Cup triumphs with one of the most scintillating attacking teams in Europe. The New Zealander has a year on his Leinster deal. Les Kiss, Ireland's defence coach who worked with McKenzie at the NSW Waratahs, will step up to be interim head coach for the summer Tests against the United States in Houston on June 8 and Canada in Toronto a week later.