Steve Hansen sets decision D-day

Steve Hansen will reportedly decide his immediate coaching future by Christmas.

Following the All Blacks' 16-9 defeat at the hands of Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, Hansen cleared up when he would announce his plans for after next year's Rugby World Cup.

Fellow Kiwi and current Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt is favourite to succeed Hansen should he step away. Schmidt is also off contract following the 2019 showpiece tournament and is expected to make his own decision before the end of the month.

"I decided before I left [New Zealand] I was going to make one," Hansen told media after the match. "And I will do that when I get home at some stage, before Christmas."

Hansen currently boast a win record of close to 90 per cent, and would likely be offered a renewal by New Zealand Rugby.

Other favourites for the position should Hansen step away include All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster, who has worked under Hansen since 2012, and Montpellier coach Vern Cotter, who interviewed for Hansen's position after the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew was in Dublin, but admitted it would have been inappropriate to meet with Schmidt before the two sides met.

"We have people talking to a large number of coaches who are out of New Zealand, who we are in contact with constantly," Tew told Fairfax last week.

Hansen has been tight-lipped about where his future lies, but has ruled out coaching another international side should he leave the All Blacks.

"If I didn't want to stay coaching the All Blacks, then I can't see myself coaching another international team in the near future," Hansen told Fairfax. "I would be better off staying where I am, so it doesn't matter what team you coach the time commitments and pressures are pretty similar. I wouldn't see any point doing that."

Hansen and the All Blacks will finish their 2018 campaign next weekend when they take on Italy in Rome.

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