Rugby Australia could have an answer from Joe Schmidt this week about extending his coaching contract beyond the British and Irish Lions tour, but believes it has an Australian coach ready and waiting should he walk away.
Schmidt's contract talks come amidst the release of an ambitious five-year strategy paper by RA that includes winning the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship every two years.
The Wallabies have made huge progress since Schmidt took over the reins this year, with players and fans alike pleading for the Kiwi coach to remain at the helm through to the next World Cup in Australia in 2027.
On their recent UK tour, the Australians posted wins against England and Wales and were unlucky not to upset heavyweights Ireland in Dublin.
Currently holidaying in Ireland where members of his family are based, Schmidt is due back in Sydney this week, with RA boss Phil Waugh looking to lock him down long term.
He said RA was working through a "contingency plan" should Schmidt not commit until the World Cup, with Australia's Super Rugby coaches the obvious candidates.
RA's strategic plan, dubbed "From Green To Gold", has three "pillars" - performance excellence, participation growth and promotion effectiveness - and is aimed at Australia returning to its status as the top-ranked rugby nation.
RA admits it has set "lofty" goals, including reaching the final four of the men's and women's Rugby World Cup (both 2027), improving the win rate to 70 per cent, with the men's team also targeting victory in the Bledisloe Cup every two years - a trophy they haven't won since 2002.
It also aims for Australian teams to win gold at the LA Olympics and two Super Rugby titles.
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