The Melbourne Rebels haven't given up hope of recruiting David Wessels amid speculation the highly-regarded Western Force coach is set to join Irish rugby club Munster.
Wessels would not confirm his reportedly imminent appointment as Munster's new director of rugby on Thursday but indicated an announcement on his future would come in the next two days.
The Irish Independent says Munster are poised to unveil Wessels as their replacement coach for Rassie Erasmus, who is moving back to South Africa to become Springboks' director of rugby.
South African Wessels worked with Erasmus as a consultant analyst previously with the Cape Town-based Stormers.
Should he go to Munster it will be a big blow for Australian rugby and especially for the Rebels.
They have been hoping to sign him to replace the departed coach Tony McGahan and a Rebels spokesman told AAP the franchise's understanding is that he remains available..
If they fail to secure Wessels, it may also make it harder for the Rebels to recruit off-contract Force players, including the likes of Wallabies lock Adam Coleman and utility back Dane Haylett-Petty, supposedly keen to follow their coach.
"I haven't formalised the decision yet," Wessels told AAP when asked if he was set to join the Pro 14's Munster.
"I'll make a comment in the next couple of days once everything gets formalised."
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