Holy Schmidt – new Ireland rugby coach confirmed

The worst-kept secret in Irish rugby has been revealed with the news that Joe Schmidt has been confirmed as Ireland head coach.

By Declan Whooley

The current Leinster boss was the odds-on favourite to succeed Declan Kidney ever since he expressed an interest in the role and has now been tasked with reviving Irish fortunes.

The IRFU confirmed the news everyone had been expecting today and there will be a press conference later to confirm the contract and the make-up of his backroom team.

Reports over the weekend suggested that Schmidt would keep Les Kiss as part of his team, but the future of Anthony Foley and Gert Smal remain less clear.

The news will be welcomed by the vast majority and if the Kiwi can bring half as much success at international level that he has had at club level in both France and Ireland than more successful days could well be around the corner.

Leinster's loss is very much Ireland's gain.