Joe Schmidt focuses on the future as he signs on with Ireland until 2019

Ready to take Japan by storm.

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) confirmed on Monday afternoon that Joe Schmidt is to continue in his role as Ireland head coach until 2019 at the earliest. One of the most coveted coaches in world rugby, securing the former Leinster man's services for the remainder of the World Cup cycle is fantastic news, giving Ireland the best chance possible to finally go beyond the quarter-final stages at Japan 2019. Hired to replace Declan Kidney in 2013, Schmidt delivered back-to-back Six Nations titles in 2014 and 2015. While the World Cup QF defeat to Argentina and last season's unsuccessful defence of the Six Nations were disappointments, Schmidt has been central to developing the players tasked with succeeding the so-called 'Golden Generation'. Schmidt has capped 26 new players in three years, many of whom will feature in a daunting November line-up, which features two meetings with all-powerful World Champions, the All Blacks, as well as Australia (and Canada). https://twitter.com/IrishRugby/status/790537440620580864 In a statement released Monday, Schmidt was positive about the future, citing the Under 20s great performance in the World Championships.

"I'd 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 benefitted 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."

The best way to celebrate this news would be by turning over New Zealand in Chicago.