Schmidt to leave Ireland after RWC with Farrell taking over

Joe Schmidt has announced he is to leave his role as Ireland head coach after next year’s Rugby World Cup with Andy Farrell to take over from the New Zealander.

The news of Schmidt’s departure comes as little surprise given he hinted as such after Ireland’s dominant win over the United States on Saturday.

Schmidt had previously been heavily tipped as a future successor to All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen, but speaking via an Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) release, the 53-year-old suggested he will step away from rugby management full-time.

“I have decided to finish coaching and will prioritise family commitments after the RWC in 2019,” he said.

“I feel that Irish rugby is in good hands. The management and players have been incredible to work with and the tremendous support we have had, particularly at home in the Aviva, but where ever we have travelled has been uplifting.

“Thank you to the IRFU for their support and patience and thanks also to so many people who have adopted my family and me, making us feel part of the community here in Ireland.

“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.”

Breaking News: Joe Schmidt to finish coaching after RWC2019. Andy Farrell will become head coach after that tournament. #IrishRugby #ShoulderToShoulder #TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/aBAU6RxhWH

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 26, 2018

The news comes just a day after Ireland swept the board at the World Rugby awards.

Schmidt won Coach of the Year, fly-half Johnny Sexton was named Player of the Year and the Six Nations champions were crowned Team of the Year.

Under the New Zealander, Ireland have won the Six Nations on three occasions – including a Grand Slam in 2018 – while they have also twice beaten the All Blacks, including during this month’s November Internationals.

Ireland also set two records under Schmidt – a 12-game unbeaten run over the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons, while they racked up a dozen consecutive home victories between November 2016 and November 2018.

Stepping into the breach is Ireland defence coach Farrell, who has been part of Schmidt’s backroom team since April 2016. And the former England cross-code star is excited by the challenge.

“It is a privilege to be considered for such a prestigious role,” he said.

“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.”

In Farrell, Schmidt believes Ireland have the ideal man to continue the progress made under his stewardship.

“The coaches have been fantastic to work with and Andy has made a big impact since coming into the group,” Schmidt said.

“His ability to lead and his understanding of the game will ensure that the group will continue to move forward.”

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