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"I decided to stop coaching and give priority to my family after the 2019 World Cup," said in a statement from the Irish Rugby Federation (IRFU) Schmidt who will be replaced by his deputy, the English Andy Farrell, until the World Cup 2023 in France. A statement that leaves all doors open and that Schmidt, 53, who arrived in Ireland in 2010 (first as Leinster coach), will return to New Zealand in a year.
To endorse the most prestigious position in the world of rugby, coach All Blacks double world champions in title? The New Zealand press is the big favorite to the likely succession of Steve Hansen, who announced that he would vote on his future by Christmas. The departure of Schmidt leave anyway a big void in Ireland: arrived in 2013 at the head of the selection, this former teacher has led to the 2nd place in the world, his current ranking, and three final victories in the Tournament of six nations (2014, 2015 and 2018), including a Grand Slam this year, where Schmidt was elected coach of the year.
In 2018, the XV of Trefoil, fully tactically honed by Schmidt for lack of flamboyance, also won his series in June in Australia, a first since 1979, and beat Nov. 17 for New Zealand for the first time. his story at home (16-9). Two years after dominating the All Blacks for the first time, in Chicago in November 2016, the year when the selection was also made for the first time in South Africa.
A job to finish
Schmidt had also been successful at the head of the Leinster, leading the province of Dublin, joined from Clermont (back coach), to a double in the European Cup (2011 and 2012). "Thanks to the IRFU for its support and patience, as well as to all those who adopted us, my family and I, and made us feel part of a community here in Ireland" Schmidt said. It will aim, before leaving, to pbad to Ireland for the first time in its history the quarterfinals of a World Cup.
"There are tempting challenges in the coming 11 months, so motivation is there to continue working hard, with coaching, to make the team as competitive as possible", he added. Schmidt also said that "Irish rugby (was) in good hands" with Farrell: "His ability to lead the men and understand the game will allow this group to progress further". Before joining Schmidt in Ireland, Farrell, 43, was in charge of England's XV defense from 2012 until the 2015 World Cup.
"It's a privilege to be appointed to such a prestigious position" added Farrell, former English international at XIII and XV, and father of current XV opener Rose Owen Farrell.
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