Chiefs express interest in signing Ireland coach Joe Schmidt

Super Rugby franchise Chiefs have expressed interest in signing present Ireland coach Joe Schmidt as coach in 2018.

Chief executive Andrew Flaxman has revealed his eagerness to initiate negotiations with the New Zealand-born to convince him about coaching the Hamilton-based outfit.

Schmidt's ongoing contract with Ireland is due to conclude in 2017 and is expected to return to the country of his birth.

Present Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has stated his interest to explore coaching opportunities in Europe following a six year long stint with the Waikato based club.

However, it won't be a straightforward negotiation for Flaxman and the Chiefs after the Highlanders also expressing their interest in signing Schmidt as the replacement for Tony Brown, who is on his way to join former Highlanders boss Jamie Joseph as an assistant coach for Japan at the 2019 World Cup.

Flaxman has said he is aware of Highlanders' interest in Schmidt, however, he has made his intentions clear to pursuit signing the 50-year-old, who has a decent experience of coaching with the Bay of Plenty after a year long stint as an assistant coach in 2003-2004.

"Joe is definitely a guy we'd be interested in having a discussion with.

"I've been made aware of the fact there's the potential for him to look at moving home next year and there's been some attention around the Highlanders having some interest in him.

"If he was to return, given his pedigree and personal circumstances and the fact he’s coached in the Bay of Plenty, he’s certainly a guy we’d love to talk to.

"Given what he’s achieved in his coaching career if we are looking to appoint a new head coach he’d be an obvious candidate."