Speculation linking Mick Galwey with a possible role in the new Ireland set-up is likely to increase after it was announced the former international is to stand down as Shannon coach.
The 41-year-old will aim to secure a third All-Ireland League title under his tenure before leaving his post at the end of the season. Shannon have already collected the AIB Cup this term.
Galwey will be replaced by Geoff Moylan, the man he took over from in 2004.
Asked earlier this year whether he would be interested in the new Ireland manager's role, Galwey made no secret of his desire to be involved in some way.
"Who wouldn't want to be involved with an Irish team at some level?" he said at the time. "I have been involved in rugby all my life from playing to coaching and I have done a bit of managing on the amateur side.
"Everybody involved in rugby, at any level, always wants to better themselves. I would love to be involved with Ireland in some shape or form going forward."
