Scarlets have confirmed New Zealand want head coach Brad Mooar to become part of the All Blacks backroom staff under Ian Foster.

Foster succeeds Steve Hansen who left the post at the end of the World Cup.

New Zealand would like Mooar in place for the two Test series against Wales in July 2020, which could see him leave Scarlets at the end of the season.

Scarlets say "early discussions" have taken place.

A Scarlets statement said: "We have been made aware that newly appointed All Blacks head coach Ian Foster would like Scarlets head coach Brad Mooar to join his New Zealand coaching team at the end of the 2019-20 season.

"Discussions between the Scarlets and New Zealand Rugby are at an early stage and we are unable to comment further until those discussions are concluded.

"In the meantime Brad, the coaching team and playing group are firmly focused on this evening's crucial European Challenge Cup match against Bayonne, followed by the big Welsh derby matches over the festive season."

Foster will announce four assistants, with Mooar in line for one of the positions.

Mooar is in his first season with Scarlets after replacing fellow New Zealander Wayne Pivac, who left Parc y Scarlets to take over from Warren Gatland as Wales head coach.

The 45-year-old has made an impressive start with seven wins in his first 10 matches in charge.

Mooar was assistant coach at Crusaders for four seasons working under Scott Robertson.

He was also head coach at Mitre10 Cup side Southland Stags as well as backs coach with South African sides Eastern Province Kings and Southern Kings in the Super 15.

New Zealand Rugby contacted 26 coaches over the head coach vacancy, but Foster and Robertson - who has overseen three successive Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders - were the only two confirmed candidates.

Foster served as Hansen's assistant for eight years and saw off competition from Crusaders coach Robertson to earn his promotion.