Ian Foster admits its "highly unlikely" he'll be at the helm of the All Blacks in 2024

Foster's patchy record almost led to his replacement last season, but in the end, he was given until the end of the 2023 Rugby World Cup to prove himself.

However, it now appears that he will be given his marching orders when his contract expires at the end of the global showpiece, regardless of the All Blacks' results.

"I think it's pretty highly unlikely that I will be in this job next year," Foster told Newstalk ZB radio.

"I keep getting asked about it if I am going to apply, but the question [for me] is what is best for the All Blacks in 2023.

"This is more of a debate about who is going to apply rather than what is the right thing for the team,

"I'm reading the tea leaves and I think it looks like there's a mood for a change. And, so for me, I'd like to put energy into that at the end of the year. Not now."

Controlling the controllables, Foster admitted that any attention on 2024 is wasted and he could only focus on the upcoming World Cup in France.

"My sole focus is on the World Cup," he continued.

"We have a big prize to win. I'd rather be talking about that in 2023. I haven't tried to engage any players, they have enough pressure on them in their own areas.

"I speak on behalf of a management team of 20 people who are working their butt off to go to France and win the World Cup. That is our only goal."

Rugby365.com reports that New Zealand Rugby want to finalise their staff for the post-World Cup period by April, with Crusaders boss Scott Robertson and Japan coach Jamie Joseph the leading candidates for the top job.