OUTGOING New Zealand coach Graham Henry has admitted a job in Europe would be “stimulating and challenging,” but played down reports linking him with a role at the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

Henry stood down as All Blacks coach earlier yesterday, nine days after leading them to the World Cup crown on home soil following an 8-7 victory over France.

The 65-year-old is in talks to stay on with the New Zealand Rugby Union as a “coach mentor” but also hinted he would consider a move to the northern hemisphere if the deal was right.

Reports last week suggested Henry was eyeing a role with England but he said: “There was a wee bit of a stretch in the article.

“I would like to spend a little bit of time, not a long time because I have important family over here (in New Zealand), but a little bit of time assisting if there is a demand from a club or from a union in Europe over the next few years.”

Asked whether the sporting challenge or the salary would be the determining factor, he added: “It’s a bit of both to be frank, blatantly frank.

“It would be stimulating and challenging but we will see what happens.”

Henry also backed Martin Johnson to remain as England coach despite the team’s shambolic World Cup campaign.