All Blacks coach Steve Hansen will make a decision on his future before the end of this year.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2018 www.photosport.nz
Hansen took over the top job in 2012, moving from an assistant into the head coaching role.
In 2016 he extended his contract through to the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
He has just eight losses in his 95 tests in charge, a success rate above 88 percent.
He's also been involved in back to back World Cup success.
Hansen is expected to stand down after next year's tournament in Japan, with Ireland coach Joe Schmidt the leading contender to take over.
After yesterday's success over the All Blacks in Dublin, Schmidt said he would make a call by the end of the month on whether he'll stay on after next year's World Cup, or return home to New Zealand.
Hansen says he too will soon reveal whether he'll carry on with the All Blacks beyond 2019.
"We're all going to be making an announcement shortly, not right now no, but I decided before I left that I was going to make one and I'll do that when I get home at some stage, before Christmas."
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt and All Blacks coach Steve Hansen. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Meanwhile a number of All Blacks are on their way back to New Zealand.
Sam Whitelock will start his extended summer break early, while the injured trio of Joe Moody, Sonny Bill Williams and Liam Squire are also flying back home.
Loosie Matt Todd will return to Japan.
The All Blacks flew to Rome today for the final match of the season against Italy this weekend.
