Joe Schmidt has signed an extension to his contract as head coach of Ireland, meaning he will remain on with Ireland until the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
It was rumoured that Schmidt's time with Ireland was set to come to an end sooner rather than later, with Schmidt heavily linked with a move back to his native New Zealand. He was among the names touted to take over the Highlanders job, viewed as the first stepping stone to ascending to the All Blacks job.
In the last few minutes, however, the IRFU have confirmed that Schmidt has extended his contract, after some deliberation.
Schmidt expressed his gratitude to the IRFU in a statement today:
I'd like to thank the IRFU for their patience and confidence as the decision to continue took somewhat longer than I'd anticipated.
It is difficult at times being so far away from extended family but we appreciate how lucky we are to have the support we have here in Ireland.
The strength of the rugby community has been incredibly visible over the past week and the enthusiasm of management and players to improve and compete is complemented by a really positive camaraderie.
The wider community has made us welcome and as a family we have benefitted immensely from their support.
Looking forward there are positive signs with the U20s finalists at the Junior World Championships this year, the provinces topping three of the five European Champions Cup pools as well as Ulster and Leinster sharing the lead of the PRO12 at present.
With the Guinness Series about to begin, facing a dominant New Zealand team along with Canada and Australia is going to be a tremendous challenge.
Elsewhere, IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora was full of praise for Schmidt:
Joe is one of the leading coaches in world rugby and it is fantastic for Irish rugby that he has committed until the end of the World Cup cycle. We have a talented group of coaches and Joe has been central to attracting coaching talent and driving success with the national team.
Phillip Browne, the IRFU CEO was delighted:
The IRFU is delighted to confirm that Joe will continue through to the next World Cup. Since coming to Ireland he has made a huge contribution to Irish rugby at provincial and national level and also actively supports our clubs across the four provinces.
Good news ahead of one hell of an Autumn series.
[IRFU]
