In for the long haul.
Joe Schmidt has signed a contract extension with the IRFU that will take him through 2019 World Cup, according to The Irish Independent.
The Ireland coach had been linked with roles at Super Rugby clubs the Chiefs and the Highlanders in his native New Zealand. However, he has reportedly told senior members of the Irish team that he intends to be in-charge at the World Cup in Japan in three-years time.
EXCLUSIVE: Joe Schmidt rejects British & Irish Lions https://t.co/1SwbC3oD90 pic.twitter.com/YrQNxubNus
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) July 22, 2016
Schmidt’s current contract expires next June, and he had also been linked with becoming the coach of the British and Irish Lions before Warren Gatland was confirmed in the role.
The 50-year-old has been Ireland coach since 2013, and has won two Six Nations’ titles during his three years in-charge.
