Heineken Cup champions Leinster are believed to be close to completing a deal with Clermont Auvergne's New Zealand backs coach Josef Schmidt to replace head coach Michael Cheika.
Cheika is leaving the province at the end of the season and Leinster need to find a replacement.
Leinster have refused to comment of reports linking the Heineken Cup champions with Schmidt but it is understood that negotiations are at an advanced stage and due to be completed shortly.
Schmidt is currently in his third season with Clermont after working with Clermont head coach Vern Cotter at Bay of Plenty and if he joins Leinster it would be the 44-year-old's first senior head coach position.
Leinster were linked with the Chiefs Super Rugby coach Ian Foster last month but is understood that the NZRU went to considerable lengths to persuade the highly-rated coach to stay in New Zealand.
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