Joe Schmidt to continue with Ireland coaching role until 2019 World Cup
Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has extended his contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union until the end of the 2019 World Cup
©PA
The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) confirmed that Ireland head coach Joe Scmidt has signed a contract extension until the end of the 2019 World Cup.
The 51-year-old joined Ireland in 2013 on a three-year contract, taking over from Declan Kidney, and has led the team to back-to-back Six Nations title in 2014 and 2015.
In a statement released by IRFU, Schmidt thanked the board for showing faith in him and is confident the Irish Rugby is taking strides in the right direction.
Schmidt said: "I would like to thank the IRFU for their patience and confidence, as the decision to continue took somewhat longer than I'd anticipated.
"It is difficult at times being so far away from extended family, but we appreciate how lucky we are to have the support we have here in Ireland.
"The strength of the rugby community has been incredibly visible over the past week, and the enthusiasm of management and players to improve and compete is complemented by a really positive camaraderie.
"The wider community has made us welcome, and as a family we have benefited immensely from their support.
"Looking forward, there are positive signs with the U20s, finalists at the Junior World Championships this year, the provinces topping three of the five European Champions Cup pools, as well as Ulster and Leinster sharing the lead of the PRO12 at present.
" With the Guinness series about to begin, facing a dominant New Zealand team, along with Canada and Australia, is going to be a tremendous challenge."
IRFU performance director David Nucifora added that Irish Rugby will benefit from Schmidt's contract extension.
"Joe is one of the leading coaches in world rugby, and it is fantastic for Irish rugby that he has committed until the end of the World Cup cycle.
"We have a talented group of coaches, and Joe has been central to attracting coaching talent and driving success with the national team."
IRFU chief executive Philip Browne lauded Schmidt's contribution to Irish Rugby.
"The IRFU is delighted to confirm that Joe will continue through to the next World Cup.
"Since coming to Ireland he has made a huge contribution to Irish rugby at provincial and national level, and also actively supports our clubs across the four provinces."
