We have 48 more hours to bask in the sweet unknown.
Irish rugby fans need only wait until Monday. Joe Schmidt has confirmed he will make his future coaching intentions clear at the start of the new week.
With speculation mounting that Schmidt will take over from Steve Hansen as All Blacks head coach, fans are eager to find out either way if they will need a new coach after the 2019 World Cup.
Schmidt said, on Thursday, that he had to choose between his Irish rugby family and his own family.
Following Ireland’s 57-14 victory over the USA, Schmidt was asked if he could shed any more light on what his decision would be. He told RTE he ‘didn’t want to muck everyone around’ and confirmed it would be Monday when his future plans were announced.
In the post-match press briefing, he expanded further on this. Schmidt said:
“We’re not any clearer. Just incredibly lucky to have the IRFU with the patience they have… I’ve given them an indication. I just need to speak to people next week and my decision will be made public early next week.
“It may be frustrating for you guys but it is really wrecking my head!”
Schmidt said the IRFU had set out ‘five different scenarios’ to show Schmidt how flexible they are and willing to accommodate the Kiwi.
When all is said and done, we will know for sure if Schmidt is committing to a longer stay by Monday afternoon.
