Rugby Australia's search to replace Eddie Jones is ahead of schedule, with former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt's announcement imminent.
AAP reported in December that the New Zealander was a front-runner to win the gig, given Schmidt's history working alongside Rugby Australia (RA) new high-performance boss Peter Horne at World Rugby.
New RA chief Phil Waugh had set March as the deadline for an announcement ahead of the Wallabies' season-opening Test against Wales in July, and expressions of interest in the role only closed on Friday.
