The Samoa Rugby Union hopes to appoint a new national head coach before the end of the year.
Stephen Betham stepped down following the country's disappointing Rugby World Cup campaign, where the Manu finished fourth in their group and failed to qualify automatically for the 2019 tournament.
SRU Chief Executive Officer Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai says a number of high profile and interesting candidates have put their names forward, with the bulk of those coming from overseas.
"It was closed a couple of weeks ago. The independent committee is working on that and going through their process of shortlisting and the interviews. We've had 18 or 19 applicants - we're hoping to make an appointment before Christmas and we're hoping the right person will take us over the next four years".
Faleomavaega says whoever gets the job will have to live in Samoa and the SRU is willing to pay what is required to secure the best person for the role.