In sad but unsurprising news, Joe Schmidt has confirmed that he will be moving on to greener pastures after the Rugby World Cup next year. Andy Farrell will replace him after the tournament.
Joe Schmidt to prioritise Family commitments.
In a statement make via the official irish Rugby Football Union website, Schmidt stated:
"I have decided to finish coaching and will prioritise family commitments after the Rugby World Cup in 2019.
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 wherever we have travelled has been uplifting."
Andy Farrell to replace Schmidt
The current Irish defence coach - Andy Farrell - is under contract until 2020 with the IRFU so his promotion to Head Coach should be a relatively seamless transition.
The rumours of Stuart Lancaster coming in to fill the attacking void left by Schmidt’s post-World Cup departure would be a role reversal with Farrell from their time together coaching England.
Not alone has Lancaster worked with Farrell, but he’s also been hugely instrumental in transforming Leinster into last season’s double champions.
World Rugby Coach winner 2018
If things couldn't get any better for Joe, he won the award for World Rugby Coach of 2018. Peter O'Mahony accepted the award on his behalf in Monaco last night.
Peter O'Mahony accepts the World Rugby Coach of the Year 2018 Award on behalf of Joe Schmidt #WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/vba2KtQRGZ
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) November 25, 2018
