Rob Kearney is confident that Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt will extend his contract, which is due to expire at the end of this season.
“It hasn’t been officially announced but you hear whispers in the background that it looks as if it’s something that’s going to happen,” the Leinster full-back told RTÉ Radio 1’s Today with Sean O'Rourke programme.
“I think it’s brilliant for Irish sport and Irish rugby.
"Certainly he’s one of the best coaches in the world and I think Ireland are very lucky to have him. To hold on to him for a few more years is a great thing.”
New Zealander Schmidt took the position in 2013 and led the team to back-to-back Six Nations titles.
Any new deal would likely mean the ex-Leinster coach taking charge of the side into the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
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Meanwhile, Kearney, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury, has set himself a target of “two or three weeks” for a return.
The triple European champions start their Champions Cup campaign against Castres on 15 October.
