The next All Black coach?

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen is set to make a decision on his involvement with the All Blacks at the end of November. 

Hansen was Graham Henry's assistant during the All Blacks successful 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign before taking over the reins after their triumphant campaign.

He has since led the All Blacks to another World Cup title and a number of records.

If Hansen does decide to step down from the role after the showpiece in Japan, we take a look at the candidates that could replace him. 

Joe Schmidt - Ireland Head Coach 

The Ireland head coach has been linked with the top job in his home country following his success with Ireland. 

The All Blacks have been installing a succession plan since Graham Henry had the top job with the view that the assistants would take over but Schmidt's success with Ireland can't be ignored.

Schmidt is also in the same boat as Hansen in that he will be making a call on his future after Ireland's final November test.

The one thing counting against Schmidt is the fact that he hasn't been a head coach at a Super Rugby franchise. 

Ian Foster - New Zealand Assitant coach 

The former Chief joined the All Blacks coach staff when Steve Hansen took over as head coach in 2012 and has been regularly been tipped as the natural replacement for Hansen.

Foster coached the Chiefs between 2004 and 2011 helping the side to two finals during his time with the side and also coach the NZ u20s with Colin Cooper.

Warren Gatland - Wales Head Coach

Gatland has taken Wales to third place in the overall World Rankings and led the Lions in two unbeaten tours beating Australia and drawing with New Zealand.

Wales' depth has greatly improved under Gatland's guidance and the drawn Lions' series last year also built on his reputation back in the land of the long white cloud.

Gatland spent time as a technical advisor for the Chiefs but like Schmidt is yet to take charge of a Super Rugby franchise.

It's worth noting that the past two All Blacks' coaches held the role of Wales head coach before coaching the All Blacks.

Scott Robertson - Crusaders head coach 

Robertson has been exceptionally successfully during his coaching career to date.

The former flanker has won titles everywhere he has gone. He won provincial titles with Canterbury before leading the New Zealand u20s to victory in his first season in charge. 

He left Canterbury at the end of the 2016 season after helping the side to win the Mitre 10 Cup and secure the Ranfurly Shield in order to take over as the Crusaders head coach.

Roberston has since won two consecutive Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders in his first two seasons in charge.

The man famous for his breakdancing antics after successful campaigns is likely to be involved with the All Blacks in some form after the World Cup whether he is the head coach or an assistant.