Gaffney took over the reins at Saracens in April 2006

The present Saracens director of rugby previously spent five years in Ireland with Leinster and Munster.

The former Wallabies assistant coach could be in place for Ireland's tour to New Zealand and Australia in June.

He will be succeeded at Saracens by former Australia coach Eddie Jones in May, but the club intended he would stay involved on a part-time basis.

Following a post-mortem into Ireland's dismal failure at the World Cup, it was recommended that head coach Eddie O'Sullivan take on board someone to coach the backs.

Gaffney, who also coached New South Wales alongside new Ulster coach Matt Williams, was popular during his time in Ireland, and could slot into the position quickly.

The IRFU, however, are unlikely to rush into a major decision, believing that the right person must be found.

None of the changes recommended in the Genesis Report will be put in place until the end of the Six Nations campaign.