Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt leaves training camp following family bereavement

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has left Ireland's training camp to New Zealand following a family bereavement.

Assistant coach Andy Farrell, who is set to replace Schmidt as the next Ireland coach after the World Cup took in charge of the side on Monday with scrum coach Greg Feek revealing that the 53-year-old is expected to return ahead of their game against Italy.

"Unfortunately, Joe had to go back to New Zealand after a family bereavement. On behalf of the team we'd like to extend condolences to his family," explained Feek.

"He'll be back towards the end of the week.

"Joe's had things in place, players know their roles. It's been quite seamless. We know Joe is on the computer and keeping an eye on things. We have to keep going.

"Andy is taking the reins and he's doing a good job to be fair to him."

Following the game against Italy on Saturday, Ireland will also face England at Twickenham Stadium and Wales in a home and away fixture leading to the World Cup that kicks-off next month.