Smith was expected to return to his native Australia at the end of the season, ending his 10-year association with the Exiles.

But rumours now suggest his departure is imminent, which could leave Irish without a coach for their European Challenge Cup clash against Grenoble at Madejski Stadium this Saturday (3pm ko).

Former Ireland boss Declan Kidney has already been touted as a long-term replacement for Smith, as has ex-London Irish star, Bob Casey.

Irish are yet to comment on the speculation which has also seen 48-year-old Smith tipped to become the next coach of Brisbane-based Queensland Reds or, possibly, Super 15 champions, Waratahs.

Exiles have struggled in the Aviva Premiership this season with only four wins from their 13 matches, leaving them one-place off the bottom of the table.

They did, however, secure an epic 28-26 home victory over Exeter Chiefs at Madejski Stadium on Sunday thanks to a last-gasp Shane Geraghty drop goal.

Smith’s men are performing much better in Europe and are currently top of their European Challenge Cup group and stand a good chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.

Smith also guided Irish to the Heineken Cup semi-finals and a third-placed finish in the league during his previous stint in charge.

In addition, he took on the role of England attack coach under Martin Johnson at the last World Cup.

Meanwhile, Irish are being linked with an audacious swoop for All Blacks prop, Ben Franks.

The 30-year-old will be a free agent in the summer when his contract with Hurricanes expires.

Franks can operate on both sides of the scrum and would help beef up the Exiles pack.

Reports suggest Franks, who won the first of his 42 All Blacks caps in 2008, will joint Irish at the end of this year’s World Cup in England.

However, Irish may face a battle to keep hold of star back Tom Homer who has been heavily linked with a move to Bath, where he would team up with former Exile and Newbury’s Park House School pupil, Jonathan Joseph.