Lam fends off Irish coach talk

Pat Lam has distanced himself from speculation he could land the Ireland coaching job, throwing his support behind Kiwi incumbent Joe Schmidt.

Schmidt has yet to recommit to Ireland. His contract expires after the looming Six Nations and he must weigh up returning to New Zealand or pushing through to the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

Lam, the former Auckland Blues coach who guided Connacht to a historic Guinness PRO12 title this year, is being touted as a possible successor.

Lam did his best to dampen that down when he fronted the media as the next European season looms.

Lam, 47, made it clear he is keen for Schmidt, who has made a huge impact in Ireland, to continue. Schmidt has brought Six Nations success to the Irish as well as making them more than competitive against southern hemisphere opposition, including beating Australia and gaining home and away victories against the Springboks.

‘‘It’s a big decision, there shouldn’t be any rush there,’’ Lam told the Daily Mail over the decision in front of Schmidt.

‘‘It’s totally up to Joe. nothing to do with me.

‘‘My focus is completely on Connacht, the expectations are so high.

‘‘Everyone in Ireland including myself would like Joe to stay and continue the work he’s doing.

‘‘The secret of Irish rugby’s success is that the provinces and the IRFU, we’re all aligned.’’

Lam has international experience with Scotland, Samoa and the Pacific Islanders teams.

Ireland are set to play the All Blacks twice at the end of the year – in Chicago and then Dublin. It’s