Ireland coach Joe Schmidt says he will reveal next week whether he will commit his long‑term future to Ireland or return to his native New Zealand.

Schmidt's Ireland contract expires after next year's World Cup in Japan and the 53‑year‑old admits he is still agonising about his decision.

Schmidt who led Ireland to the Grand Slam this year, as well as Six Nations titles in 2014 and 2015 is believed to be front of the queue to step into New Zealand's coaching ranks if he opts to return home.

The New Zealander has masterminded both of Ireland's victories over the All Blacks, including last weekend's 16‑9 win in Dublin, and guided his team from eighth to second in the world rankings in five years.

Steve Hansen's current contract with the All Blacks finishes at the end of 2019.

[Source: BBC]