IT WAS THE news everyone expected, but didn’t want to hear.
The IRFU this morning confirmed that Joe Schmidt will leave his position as Ireland head coach after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
The end is near: Joe Schmidt. Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
In charge of Ireland since 2013, the 53-year-old Kiwi led the side to a Grand Slam, two other Six Nations titles, their first two-ever wins over the All Blacks, a series victory Down Under, back-to-back November Test clean sweeps, and a first-ever win against the Springboks on South African soil.
Last night, he was crowned 2018 World Rugby Coach of the Year.
There’s no doubt he’s taken Irish rugby to incredible highs and will leave a long-lasting legacy behind him, but he’ll hope to finish on the highest of highs in 2019.
For now though, some kind words as this morning’s news broke:
I wish Joe all the very best. He is a humble man that has achieved so much for his adopted country and will be forever revered in Ireland. family should always come first. That just says it all about the man.
#JoeSchmidt started off in Mullingar rugby club many years ago as player/coach and now will leave Ireland in few years having changed Irish sport and rugby forever. pic.twitter.com/49G4hHHMRL
Joe Schmidt has given us five fantastic years of rugby glory. Let's savour every moment of his last 11 months in charge of Ireland. Best of luck to the Schmidt family in the future and good luck to Andy Farrellhttps://t.co/c298vADlUR via @rte
Everything about #JoeSchmidt is class! Today’s announcement from @IrishRugby confirms he is entirely focused on #RWC2019 so much so it will be his final coaching summit before he retires to be with his family. Joe THANK YOU for all you have achieved and what is still to come.
Joe Schmidt like Warren Gatland will finish post RWC. Both men have already built strong foundations for their successors but are also strong contenders for 6 Nations and RWC silverware before they finish. #worldclasshttps://t.co/t5OqzBSNGF
He'll leave as the best Irish head coach I've ever seen. The changes he's brought in to Irish rugby in the last 8 years will last long after he's gone.
Look at his CV. Heineken Cups, Six Nations, Slams, wins in the SH, 2 wins over NZ.
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'In Schmidereens', 'a great of Irish rugby' - Tributes paid as Schmidt's exit confirmed
IT WAS THE news everyone expected, but didn’t want to hear.
The IRFU this morning confirmed that Joe Schmidt will leave his position as Ireland head coach after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
In charge of Ireland since 2013, the 53-year-old Kiwi led the side to a Grand Slam, two other Six Nations titles, their first two-ever wins over the All Blacks, a series victory Down Under, back-to-back November Test clean sweeps, and a first-ever win against the Springboks on South African soil.
Last night, he was crowned 2018 World Rugby Coach of the Year.
There’s no doubt he’s taken Irish rugby to incredible highs and will leave a long-lasting legacy behind him, but he’ll hope to finish on the highest of highs in 2019.
For now though, some kind words as this morning’s news broke:
Tommy Bowe
Mike Ross
Brent Pope
Bressie
Leo Varadkar
Gavin Duffy
Bernard Jackman
Three Red Kings
Ryle Nugent
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Ireland Joe Schmidt kind words say it ain't so joe tributes paid