Four potential candidates to replace Andy Farrell when he will occupy the high-level position

So it's official. Amazing mandate of Joe Schmidt at the head of Ireland will finish at the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup no matter what happens from here to here.

The man responsible for filling his huge shoes? His badistant for a few years, Andy Farrell. A man who was knocked down by the RFU after England's exit from the 2015 Rugby World Cup in the group stage. What a return for the former league player.

But when Schmidt leaves, Ireland will have to bring in someone else by taking advantage of his coaching ticket by promoting Farrell. But who? It's a tricky question because Farrell and Schmidt are two very different coaches. Do you come with another defense coach and let Farrell focus on the main coaching function or do you call an attack coach to replace what you lost to Schmidt?

Here are four potential candidates in both directions.

Stuart Lancaster.
Farrell and Lancaster have known each other since their union with England and have followed a very similar path since, rebuilding their career on the other side of the pond with Ireland. Lancaster would be a good attack coach, with Farrell focusing on his strong points in defense. Lancaster is also the ideal man to make the most of Irish youth. But would the IRFU distance him from Leinster?

Felix Jones.
One of the best training prospects in Irish rugby so far, Jones has already worked with Ireland and Joe Schmidt has already been invited for their tour in the United States and Japan. Munster can hardly afford to lose it, but the lure of a job with Ireland is likely to be too much for the former pro.

Girvan Dempsey.
Another man who worked under Schmidt after being raised with Jones. Former halfback Leinster is currently with Bath in the Premiership, which could play against him.

Ronan O'Gara.
Maybe it's a bit early for O'Gara to come home, but you never know. He will already have two Super Rugby seasons to his credit when Farrell's station arrives, and the timing is perfect in a way. O'Gara may not want to become head coach in Ireland so soon, but his badistant role may be right for him. He is also the perfect defense / attack coach mix and could be a great substitute for Farrell.