The All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has given his clearest indication yet that he intends to stay in the role through to the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Hansen's contract runs out at the end of 2017 - but he says his future will be decided by next month.
Asked if he was more likely to stay than go he told BBC Sport: "New Zealand Rugby have got to say they're keen too. I'm sure if we can sit down, something positive will come."
Hansen said being coach of the All Blacks "is the best job from a New Zealanders' point of view".
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live he added: "But there's four things I've looked at. One is the family… is it right for them? Is it right for the team? Is it right for the [New Zealand] Rugby Union and can I still get up in the morning and motivate myself and the team to improve?
"So if I can't do all those things, I won't do it. If I still think I can do it and the players are keen on me to do it then I'll think about it."
Asked if he still had the hunger to drive the team forward, Hansen said the recent test series against Wales had proved to him that he did.
"That's one thing I find out during the latest series [a 3-0 win over Wales] that it's still there and I love winning and I love that team."
"That combination of questions has been answered for me but there's one or two I've just got to ask myself yet and we'll make a decision before the Rugby Championship."
-BBC
