A bold call ahead of the search for the next All Blacks coach.

Applicants are devising their plans and pitches to be Steve Hansen's replacement, with an announcement expected before Christmas.

While a lot of people seem to have their thoughts on the matter, former New Zealand Rugby CEO David Moffett believes the players shouldn't have a say.

"They are the employees. Any player that believes that they should be speaking out on the selection of the coach is a little bit out of line."

He told Martin Devlin incoming CEO Mark Robinson should own the decision.

"If you're going to make your mark,  Mark Robinson needs to stand up on this one, because if he doesn't and he gets it wrong, it will come back to bite him on the arse."

Sonny Bill Williams is one of the players to have commented on the hunt, saying that a Maori or Pacific Islander should be appointed to the role. 

New Zealand Rugby invited 26 Kiwi coaches to apply for the vacant role as All Blacks head coach, asking those invited to bring their team of supporting coaches into the process with them.

NZR chairperson Brett Impey said NZR wrote to a number of coaches directly asking them to apply for roles with the national team, with a five-person panel to ultimately make the selection.

Alongside Impey on the panel will be former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry, NZR Chief Executive Mark Robinson, NZR Head of High Performance Mike Anthony and former Silver Ferns Coach and High Performance Sport New Zealand director, Waimarama Taumaunu. Outgoing NZR boss Steve Tew elected not to be on the panel.