FORMER IRELAND HOOKER Shane Byrne is thrilled to see Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt sign a contract extension to remain as Ireland head coach, but feels the Kiwi could be tough to tie down when the deal ends in 2017.
The 49-year-old coach has extended his commitment to the IRFU by a year, but when he approaches the end of the term there could be high profile jobs coming up with the Lions or Schmidt’s native New Zealand.
“We were all a bit concerned and the eyebrow would be raised about when New Zealand will come calling,” Byrne told 98FM today.
If he continues along this line with the success and if we have a very good World Cup they will definitely be looking for him to return.
The hooker added: “Back to back Six Nations trophies is not a bad place to be, all the players are still really thriving under his leadership. There will be people knocking on his door in 2017 there’s no doubt about that, but right now our short term future is secured with one of the hottest properties in coaching.”
