David Wessels is still a chance to coach the Melbourne Rebels and says he has "not formalised any decision yet" despite reports suggesting he is closing in on a deal to move to Ireland and take over a role with Pro14 club Munster.
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Fairfax Media has been told Wessels' deal with Munster is not over the line and that he has told people as recently as Wednesday he was still keen to sign with the Rebels for next season.
When contacted on Wednesday evening, Wessels said: "Have not formalised any decision yet. Will do so in next couple of days."
Rebels players are still under the impression they will be looked after by Wessels after the club hotly pursued him following the news the Western Force would be cut from Super Rugby next year.
The Rebels have not been informed by Wessels or his management that they are out of the race to secure his signature.
That is not to say the deal could not be done but the feeling amongst those who have spoken to Wessels is that he would like to remain in Australian rugby.
It comes as the Irish Independent reported Wessels would be announced as Munster's replacement for coach Rassie Erasmus.
The Irish club is yet to confirm the move but the newspaper has quoted the IRFU's performance director, David Nucifora, saying Munster were "close" to a deal with a candidate.
"Are we getting close to getting someone? Yes we are," Nucifora said.
"We feel we're getting close to doing something but in any negotiation things can move at the last minute, you never quite know until it's done but we feel that we're close. We're making good progress.
"At the moment we're talking to one person but we've spoken to multiple over a period of time. But at the moment we're talking to one so that's why I can say we are getting closer."
Erasmus handed Wessels his first assistant coaching job at the Stormers in 2008 and no doubt had a say in getting Wessels over to Ireland for an interview.
Despite this, the South African born coach has been linked with the Rebels for the best part of the year once it became clear the Force would be getting the axe.
If Wessels were to leave Australian shores, it could result in a number of high profiled Australian players defecting for Ireland, with names such as Wallabies second-rower Adam Coleman and utility back Dane Haylett-Petty coming to mind.
Two weeks ago, Wessels said: "I'm very flattered that there's some interest in me from different places. Just like the players, I want to make a decision with my family."
