Leading into the Rugby World Cup this year, there was always a worry about the impact that Joe Schmidt could have if Ireland were to face New Zealand at the tournament.
The 58-year old was hugely successful during his time in charge of the Irish team, winning three Six Nations titles and blooding a number of the players that are still key members of the squad. As well as that, he had also worked alongside Andy Farrell before he stepped to become the new head coach.
Those fears turned out to be well founded. While it remains unclear just how big Schmidt's impact on New Zealand was in their quarter-final victory over Ireland, you get the sense that he did play a key role in implementing the game plan that managed to successfully stifle the Irish side.
Of course, Joe Schmidt has now left his role with the All Blacks after Ian Foster stepped aside as scheduled after their World Cup final loss to South Africa.
However, he could be back in the sport quite soon if recent reports are to be believed.
READ HERE: Ferris Backs Peter O'Mahony's Credentials As A Continuity Captain For Ireland
Joe Schmidt could be offered return to European rugby
Joe Schmidt has been linked with numerous roles in European rugby over the last few months. At one point he was thought to be in the running to succeed David Nucifora as IRFU high performance director, a position that was ultimately taken up by David Humphreys.
He has now been linked with another role, one that could see him rival his former New Zealand colleague.
French outlet Midi Libre are reporting that Joe Schmidt is on the shortlist to become the next Montpellier head coach, with Ian Foster another name in the running.
Patrice Collazo has only recently been appointed as coach of the French club, who Richard Cockerill go after a disastrous start to the Top 14 season. They currently sit bottom of the table having won just one of their first seven games.
However, it is thought that Collazo is a short-term solution and that the club will look to recruit a big name replacement for him over the coming months.
Both Joe Schmidt and Ian Foster are in the running for the role, with the latter saying he would consider all options for his next move after the end of the Rugby World Cup.
In saying that, Midi Libre said that Schmidt is currently viewed as the frontrunner.
The Kiwi has not been involved in European rugby since leaving his role with Ireland in 2019, although it has been suggested that he was open to a return to northern hemisphere return. It is thought that he turned down an offer to remain part of the New Zealand setup moving forward.
He previously had a three-year spell in France as a coach at Clermont before being appointed at Leinster.
It would certainly be interesting to see what impact he would have on Montpellier were he to be appointed.
SEE ALSO: Gordon D'Arcy Dumbfounded By Amateur Error From Sharks In Loss To Connacht
