The move comes after the New Zealand Rugby Federation launched a hunt for the next All Blacks coach to succeed Foster in 2024, whose contract ends this year.
Foster criticized the governing body for starting the recruitment process in the midst of preparations for the World Cup.
“
As I said last week, I felt that the best thing for our team and for our entire management group was to complete this process after the Rugby World Cup.
“said Foster in a press release.
“It didn't happen but we will accept the decision and move on.
I'm not going to apply for the head coach position again,” said the 57-year-old, who added that he remained focused on winning the World Cup.
Read alsoRugby: coach Ian Foster remains suspended despite New Zealand success on Saturday
"
It didn't happen but we will accept the decision and move on.
I'm not going to apply for the head coach position again
,” said the 57-year-old, who added that he remains focused on winning the World Cup.
New Zealand Rugby took the unusual step of starting the recruitment process well before Foster's contract expired, reportedly to try to prevent rival international teams from poaching the candidates it has in its sights.
"
This is particularly important in the global rugby environment where there is significant competition for elite coaching talent
," New Zealand Rugby chairman Patsy Reddy said in a statement.
“
It will be concluded in the next four to six weeks
,” she added.
Foster has been under pressure since last year following a string of erratic performances from the All Blacks, including a losing streak against Ireland and their first home loss to Argentina.
He claimed last month that speculation over his future could hurt the team's preparation for the World Cup which begins in September.
"
I'm particularly frustrated that we prefer to focus on making schedules based on what certain favorite candidates think is good for them, instead of what is potentially good for this All Blacks team,"
said -he complains to Newstalk ZB radio.
Canterbury Crusaders New Zealand franchise coach Scott Robertson is considered the favorite to succeed him.
Former All Blacks third-line wing nicknamed "
Razor
", Robertson has been coaching the Crusaders since 2017, which he has led to six successive Super Rugby titles.
Several national teams and clubs have shown interest in poaching him.
Japan coach Jamie Joseph, also a former All Blacks forward, is seen as another strong candidate for the job.