Joe Schmidt to coach the Auckland Blues after the 2019 RWC

swiwi_ · 01-04-2018 6:19pm #1

NZ rugby today announced that current Irish coach Joe Schmidt will return home after the 2019 RWC. He will take over the reigns at the struggling Auckland Blues, replacing Tana Umaga, whose contract expires in 2019. The NZRU currently requires All Black head coaches to have NZ coaching experience (Super Rugby, Mitre 10 Cup, NZ 7s) immediately prior to their national appointment.

Speaking to Auckland-based Radio Sport today, Schmidt said following the global tournament, he and his wife Kellie felt it would be the right time to head home. "I have made lifelong friends in Ireland, and will keep many fond memories of our time there, but I look forward to the challenge of working with the Blues".

It's rumoured Schmidt is hoping to team up again with Jono Gibbes, who recently returned to NZ where he will coach the Waikato Mitre 10 cup side.

Gonna be a big hole for Irish rugby to fill, no doubt that he will have left the team in a good place though.

Beechwoodspark · 01-04-2018 6:20pm

swiwi_ wrote: »

NZ rugby today announced that current Irish coach Joe Schmidt will return home after the 2019 RWC. He will take over the reigns at the struggling Auckland Blues, replacing Tana Umaga, whose contract expires in 2019. The NZRU currently requires All Black head coaches to have NZ coaching experience (Super Rugby, Mitre 10 Cup, NZ 7s) immediately prior to their national appointment.

Speaking to Auckland-based Radio Sport today, Schmidt said following the global tournament, he and his wife Kellie felt it would be the right time to head home. "I have made lifelong friends in Ireland, and will keep many fond memories of our time there, but I look forward to the challenge of working with the Blues".

It's rumoured Schmidt is hoping to team up again with Jono Gibbes, who recently returned to NZ where he will coach the Waikato Mitre 10 cup side.

Gonna be a big hole for Irish rugby to fill, no doubt that he will have left the team in a good place though.

Noooooooooooooooooo ooooooo ooooo