DECLAN KIDNEY remains the odds-on favourite to become the next Irish coach from other contenders who are believed to include the likes of ex-All Blacks coach John Mitchell, currently with the Western Force, and Heyneke Meyer, the former Blue Bulls coach.

The IRFU's three-man appointments committee of Noel Murphy, Pa Whelan and Neil Jackson have been drawing up a profile of the kind of head coach they want to replace Eddie O'Sullivan and narrowing down their options with a view to sounding out availability in the past week.

They reported to the management committee meeting last Wednesday and, although all information has been under lock and key, word has filtered through to some players on the circuit that Kidney's appointment is inevitable. While Mitchell has strong ties with Irish rugby, the feeling in Australia is that he is intent on remaining with the Force for at least the next two years of his recent new deal.

Meyer's availability is a source of conflicting messages. He has taken up employment outside rugby since he was controversially overlooked for the Springboks' job following his Super 14 success with the Blue Bulls.

However, all the smart money and word on the grapevine is that the union's hierarchy are under too much pressure to pick anyone other than Kidney.

The union may be waiting to see how Munster progress in next Sunday's Heineken Cup semi-final against Saracens before deciding whether to appoint Kidney. If they do progress to the final on May 24th, then an interim coach would have to be appointed for Ireland's game against the Barbarians three days later.

Ultimately, Kidney remains favourite. It may not sit well with one or two in the union, but, as one source puts it, "they have to be seen to do the right thing".