Say it ain’t so, Joe... Schmidt bowing out at the top
IT’S the news we were all expecting and yet, somehow, hoping against hope...
Following a year which saw the Irish rugby team slay the World Champion All Blacks as well as winning the Six Nations in a Grand Slam, Joe Schmidt has called time on not only his role as Ireland coach, but coaching full stop.
Speaking yesterday on his announcement, Schmidt, 53, said: ‘I have decided to finish coaching and will prioritise family commitments after the Rugby World Cup in 2019. I feel that Irish rugby is in good hands.’
Originally from New Zealand Schmidt was appointed the Ireland head coach in 2013
‘Historic moments of great joy’
following a successful tenure in charge of Leinster.
In the five years since, he led Ireland to its most successful period in the national team’s history, winning three Six Nations, beating South Africa in South Africa as well as beating New Zealand twice in two years.
Speculation has been mounting for months that Schmidt was in line to be the next head coach of the All Blacks, but that no longer seems to be on the cards as the New Zealander says that he will ‘finish coaching’ to focus on his family.
IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne thanked Schmidt and his family for all they have done for the game in Ireland. ‘Joe has travelled to clubs throughout the country, assisted with our sponsor programme and attended a huge number of charity events, helping to raise vital funding for those who need it most,’ said Mr Browne.
‘Sport has the ability to lift people out of the day-to-day concerns of life and Joe and his team have provided historic moments of great joy, that will live long in the memories of everyone in the rugby family.’
He will be succeeded by Irish defensive coach Andy Farrell who joined Schmidt’s team in 2016 and has been a key figure of the coaching staff.
Farrell said that it was a ‘privilege to be considered for such a prestigious role’.
Ireland are currently second in the world behind New Zealand in the Rugby World rankings, up from ninth place when he took over in April 2013.
And on Sunday night, Ireland swept the top prizes at the World Rugby awards to boot.
The 2019 Rugby World Cup is due to be kicked off in September in Japan. cIreland will take on Scotland in their first match.