Former Leinster coach Michael Cheika has confirmed he has been offered the Australia head coach role left vacant by Ewen McKenzie's resignation, but said “there are a few things to be ironed out".
"It's a pretty humbling experience to be asked to be involved in something like that, but we'll see what happens," Cheika said.
"There are a few things to be ironed out, obviously the logistics, etc ... everything is so close. So we will see how it goes and work it out from there."
The Australian newspaper today cited "an informed source" as saying that Cheika was hoping to retain control at the New South Wales Waratahs and combine that role with his duties as national coach in the lead-up to next year's World Cup in England.
Cheika led the Waratahs to the Super Rugby title last season, completing a unique coaching double after he guided Leinster to a Heineken Cup triumph in 2009.
An Australian Rugby Union spokesman said today they were "still in the process of investigating options to replace Ewen McKenzie".
"At this stage, no prospective coaches have been confirmed in the role - but we hope to have a solution in place and announced before the team leaves for the Spring Tour on Friday," the spokesman added in a statement.
McKenzie dramatically resigned after the Wallabies lost 29-28 to New Zealand in Brisbane on Saturday amid the turmoil caused by utility back Kurtley Beale allegedly sending offensive text messages to a team official.
Cheika's record makes him the favourite for the job ahead of World Cup-winning former South Africa coach Jake White, who was sounded out to replace Robbie Deans in July last year only to lose out to McKenzie.
The ARU is keen to appoint a coach before the squad depart for their tour of Europe, which features a match against the Barbarians and Tests against Wales, France, Ireland and England.
The Wallabies line out against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday 22 November.
