Best hails Schmidt impact

Rory Best hopes head coach Joe Schmidt will decide to commit his long-term future to Ireland.

Schmidt’s current deal expires after next year’s World Cup in Japan, but the in-demand boss has already revealed he will make a decision about his next move before the end of the calendar year.

Schmidt may well opt to return to his native New Zealand for a crack at leading the All Blacks, but Ulster hooker Best hopes he could sign on for more with Ireland, who take on Argentina in Dublin today.

“From a player’s point of view, and even from an Irish rugby fan’s point of view, you want to see the best coaches staying and he’s the best coach I’ve ever worked with,” said Best.

“In my opinion he’s one of the best coaches in the world.

“But he has got to do what’s right for him, and if that is a change then his legacy will go on longer than just the silverware that sits in trophy cabinets.

“I think that what Joe has done for Irish rugby, not just for the national team but Leinster, is evident. It’s plain to see in the silverware and that speaks for itself.”