Former Crusaders assistant coach Daryl Gibson is eyeing a move overseas.

English club Leicester have been among several northern hemisphere clubs that have contacted Gibson, after he resigned from the Crusaders last week.

Now 37, Gibson almost agreed to coach at Leicester, the club he represented between 2003 and 2007 as a player, in late 2008, but was attracted by the prospect of working with new head coach Todd Blackadder at the Crusaders.

"We have spoken but it has really been just a case of ‘Hey, what are you doing?"' Gibson said in reference to his communication with Leicester.

"There is no job, as such, available there because they already have their coaches in place.

"We have really just had an informal discussion at this point."

Gibson has a perfect opportunity to further his talks with Leicester next month.

The New Zealand Maori team, who will be coached by Jamie Joseph and Gibson, will play the first of their three matches against the Tigers at Leicester's Welford Road on November 14.

Leicester's strong fan-base has enabled them to be England's wealthiest club, and former international hooker Richard Cockerill is the director of rugby. Australian Matt O'Connor is the head coach, and has several assistants.

"I'm talking to a number of clubs and obviously I have had a life with Leicester in the past and that would be an easy shift for me and my family . . ." Gibson said.

"But this is probably the worst time to go looking for a job because most jobs [in the northern hemisphere] come up around April and May. Whatever opportunity we look at, it has to be right for me and my family. I don't want to be rash and rush into things."

Before linking with the Crusaders he had interviews with Leicester after head coach Marcelo Loffreda was sacked.

British media speculated Gibson would sign to work alongside Cockerill, but he opted to return to the Crusaders, the side he played 78 games for between 1996 and 2002.

"Yes, I was close to going there at the time - but it was ideal at the time to come back to New Zealand," Gibson said.

He has not discounted working in New Zealand next season. Although the five Super Rugby franchises have already appointed their coaching staff, potential exists to coach a provincial side.

"Obviously it operates at a different level from the Super Rugby competition but being a head coach of an ITM Cup team has plenty of appeal. It is a nice, short, competition."

Sean Maitland's decision to sign with Glasgow until 2015 allows the wing/fullback to represent Scotland, if selected.

Maitland, a New Zealand Maori and national age-group representative, was last month delisted by the Crusaders, because they did not select him within their cap of 28 "protected" players. Having paternal grandparents born in Glasgow means he could be considered to play for Scotland.

Maitland, 24, is expected to depart in a few weeks, subject to visa and medical clearances.

- © Fairfax NZ News