Steve Hansen’s likely retirement date could have major repercussions for Irish rugby

It's the scenario most Ireland rugby fans fear.

Ireland might not have lived up to the lofty standards set before the Rugby World Cup, but that doesn't mean we don't want to give Joe Schmidt another crack at the tournament in four years' time. The New Zealander is the most successful coach these shores have seen in some time, but despite his affinity for his adopted home, there remains the suspicion that it's only a matter of time before the All Blacks come calling. Recent speculation linking Schmidt to the England job made every Ireland fan take a deep breath, but while seeing the former Leinster boss wearing the Red Rose might have been too much for some to bear, who could blame him if he chose to leave to take the biggest job in world rugby and lead his home nation into the next World Cup? And incumbent All Blacks coach Steve Hansen can only have added to the rumour mill by suggesting he is likely to step down from the post in 2017, after coaching the world champions against the Lions that summer. That's the same point at which Schmidt's current Ireland contract expires, setting up a scenario where Schmidt himself takes charge of the Lions in New Zealand before jumping straight into the opposing dugout. "I would probably say it is more likely I won't be there after 2017. If it's not right for the team, I don't want to do it," Hansen said. "I'd love to coach the All Blacks until the day I die, it's the best job in the world as far as I am concerned for a rugby coach. But is that right for the team? I wouldn't think so." In addition to Schmidt, Scotland coach Vern Cotter recently extended his contract until 2017, setting up the possibility that New Zealand could have their pick of the two coaches, or even attempt to convince the Kiwi duo to reform their successful Clermont-Auvergne partnership.