Joe Schmidt is stepping down as Ireland head coach after the 2019 World Cup in Japan and will be replaced by defence coach Andy Farrell, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) said on Monday.
Since taking on the job in 2013, New Zealander Schmidt has overseen the team’s most successful period, winning three Six Nations titles, as well as enjoying victories over the All Blacks and a series triumph in Australia, among others.
“I have decided to finish coaching and will prioritise family commitments after the RWC (World Cup) in 2019,” Schmidt said through an IRFU statement.
“There are some inspiring challenges over the next 11 months so there’s plenty of motivation for me to continue working hard, alongside the other management staff, so that the team can be as competitive as possible.”
IRFU chief executive Philip Browne hailed Schmidt’s contribution after the 53-year-old was named 2018 World Rugby Coach of the Year on Sunday.
“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,” Browne said.
“Of course, this is not yet the end, and we look forward an exciting and challenging 11 months for Irish Rugby during Joe’s final Six Nations and the Rugby World Cup in Japan.”
Former dual-code international Farrell also paid tribute to Schmidt, the Englishman saying it was a privilege to be considered for such a “prestigious role” at the world No.2-ranked side.
“I have learned a lot from Joe over the past few seasons and I will continue to learn from him over the next year as the coaching group and players focus on competing in two huge tournaments in 2019,” Farrell said.
Ireland begin the defence of their Six Nations title at home to England in February, before heading to the World Cup, where they have been drawn in Pool A with hosts Japan, Scotland, Russia and Samoa.
Ben
Guest
Theres an article in todays Herald by Liam Napier saying dont discount him from the ABs job just yet......
Old Bugger
Guest
Can someone enlighten me on this matter. What happened to NZR's policy of future AB coaches going overseas to expand their coaching experience?? It now seems with Schmidt's non-availability announcement, that NZ coaches don't need to go overseas, to gain further experience if they are interested in the AB coaching job. I'd just like to know what Jamie Joseph or Dave Rennie or any other NZ coach currently overseas have done to enhance Scott Robertson's chances of considering putting his name forward?? They as coaches have won the same competitions as Robbo has although, not the same amount and yet, they went overseas to coach. I have yet to see Robbo head overseas to further his credentials or is there such a lack of potential candidates that NZR has opened its door to international and domestic based coaches. Mind you, Fozzie hasn't ventured overseas either.........
rebel
Roar Guru
Sorry, I wasn't being serious.
Derm
Roar Guru
Eh no. He's going to be looking after his family. This has been known about for a few years.
Derm
Roar Guru
He lives around the corner from me. The news about his son is accurate regarding brain tumour/epilepsy. Schmidt has done a lot of support work for Epilepsy Ireland in his time here. Coaching will not be on the agenda from next November.
CUW
Roar Rookie
apparently he is retired - according to some press reports.
CUW
Roar Rookie
his strength is defence they may get the guy at Crusaders back after world cup there are also a couple of coaches in England clubs - tho Murphy is said to be interim coach at Tigers. the thing is - if the test team is successful then they can easily find people who want to be associated withit. winners grinners :)
Jaf
Roar Rookie
Not sure about that Ben. I think they live in Dublin.
Carlin
Roar Rookie
Yeah really surprised that only one boy was selected for NZ Schools. And I dont think the other National Finalist Napier Boys had too many either. It is hard to compete with what St Kents do but was glad to see St Peters show it is not all about who recruits the most. Yeah that front row was HUGE!!! Hopefully they can back it up again next year.
Ben
Guest
Yea i used to coach with Walter Alvarez the current coach. We live close by as well so went round to look at all the silverware at his house. Disgrace that Akld (Blues) and NZ sec schools could only find room for 1 guy from that team. But what do you expect with Lavea involved picking all the St Kents ring ins.... The true power of SPC was a never beaten never say die, mental fortitude. Helps having a front row bigger than the ABs and some amazing talent. I watched a few of their games. What struck me was during the warm ups how quiet they were and the lack of intensity. They looked like big tough snarling panthers getting ready to pounce. They were truly intimidating. Anyway....
Carlin
Roar Rookie
Nice one. You would have been happy with the way St Peters went this year. That team showed some excellent resilience in the crunch games of the season.
Ben
Guest
I coached St Peters Akld 1st xv for a while having come thru the grades. Now i just watch....and observe and follow careers and advise. Yes i did hear of those other incidents but didnt get the detail like the Mcleans incident.
Carlin
Roar Rookie
Yeah we have to play Mangere College in a Promotion/Relegation game. Going to 1C may not be such a bad thing given our current state. I was away for that Macleans game. Was really annoyed with what happened there. Unfortunately we had 2 more incidents through the year. One I had to physically restrain a boy back from going on to the field to fight. He performed and then his parents accused me of assaulting him. The other was a fight broke out when shaking hands with the opposition after the game. The culprit was subbed at 1/2 time as he was getting heated in the game and still couldnt control himself. The funny thing is they only act like that against smaller and dear I say it whiter teams. They find everyone to blame as well apart from their selves. We have had 3-4 stints in 1A. We had 2 years in there 2013 and 2014. Yeah the demographic doesn't help, we also have a lesser calibre of player and limit coaches. Bob helped with our Under 15s when he wasnt refereeing. He did a good job with our Under 15 7s team. He is a good manager as has a few good contacts for sponsors. Sam is a good kid. Plays well above his weight. Hope he bounces back next year. Which school are you involved with? That's sad news about his son. That would be hard to deal with having a high profile job and balancing his sons needs.
Ben
Guest
Hmmm..have to question my source cos im reading Schmidts son has a brain tumour and is epiletic and thats why they chose to remain in Britain close to a world renown specialist....
Ben
Guest
Ahhhh yes Pap high. You been demoted to 1C or is there a pre season playoff like 1A-1B? Doesnt help when your players behave the way they did against Mcleans and get suspended. That was ridiculous behaviour. Is Bob the Fijian/Indian ref involved in any way? My youngest boy is mates with Sam the boy broke his collarbone in your team. I remember 2007 Pap high was 1A, only for a season before being demoted but i hear yous have a big Fijian/Indian role now and your player base is small as a result..? Anyway...you dont need to hope Hoorse..Joe Schmidt will be ABs coach 2020...my sources are reliable and never set me crook.
Carlin
Roar Rookie
I hope your right Ben that he is taking on the role. I work at Papatoetoe High School. Been a struggle to get a good coach for last 3 years. I have had to coach them and we have struggled. We cant compete with other schools who pay coaches.
Ben
Guest
What school Hoorse??
Ben
Guest
Heres the good oil..you heard it first right here. Word is Tew has given him the nod. Hansen is set to relinquish the reins post world cup. Welcome home Joe....
Carlin
Roar Rookie
He is a superb coach and has improved Ireland immensely. Will be interesting to see what he does on return to New Zealand. I can imagine the New Zealand Rugby Union will want him. He has said he is prioritising family commitments so based on that he may not want to coach International Rugby again. Could be a smoke screen but he doesn't come across as a man that would do that. That will be a good confidence boost for Andy Farrell to be promoted as a head coach. PS. Joe Schmidt is a school teacher. The school I work at in Auckland is in desperate need for a 1st XV coach. Hope your reading Joe mate.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Where's the fun in that? Taking over a No.1 side is so bleh. Surely there is more reward in lifting a former dual World Cup winning side back to the top of the ranks?