Joe looks set to announce departure from top job after Japan World Cup

IRELAND coach Joe Schmidt is expected to announce tomorrow he will be moving on after the World Cup next year, admitting last night after Ireland’s 57-14 win over USA that he has given the IRFU ‘an indication’ of his plans.

Ireland’s eight-try win over the Americans rounded off a superb month of four victories for Schmidt, highlighted by the 16-9 win over New Zealand, but the main focus over November has been on Schmidt’s future as it was again last night.

‘I am incredibly lucky with the IRFU to have the patience they have, I have given them an indication and I just need to talk to people tomorrow and announce it next week. It must be frustrating for you guys but it’s wrecking my head,’ admitted Schmidt, who implied that he is happy the personnel are in place to carry on the success story.

‘I am a small cog in the machine and I am so confident we have such a great group with the staff whether its coaching staff or medical staff or logistics staff.’

The Ireland coach is due to meet with his family today to go over the decision again and will then talk to the IRFU before an official announcement is expected tomorrow morning.

If Schmidt does decide to go after the World Cup, he is being linked heavily with the head coach’s job at New Zealand, with Steve Hansen also due to make an announcement on his future. A break or a position in Super Rugby are also options.

As regards last night’s result, Schmidt added: ‘It’s really pleasing because the Americans are very physical, a very big side. We were really conscious they would be tough going, you don’t beat Scotland or Samoa without having something in the locker and it was only 24-14 at half time,’ he said.