Ireland
Joe Schmidt signs two-year extension as Ireland coach
PA Sport
July 22, 2015
Joe Schmidt
Joe Schmidt© (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Joe Schmidt has signed a contract extension that will see him remain as Ireland head coach until at least June 2017. 

The New Zealander was appointed to the role in 2013 and Ireland have since claimed back-to-back RBS 6 Nations titles and climbed to third place in rugby union's official world rankings.

Schmidt, 49, also masterminded victories over South Africa and Australia last term, and since he took charge, Ireland have won 14 of their 18 Test matches.

Such consistent form means that they will go into the Rugby World Cup later this year as strong contenders, with a semi-final place likely to be Schmidt's minimum requirement. 

Before taking the reins with Ireland, Schmidt enjoyed considerable success as coaching chief at Leinster, overseeing European Cup and domestic title successes.

Reflecting on his contract extension, Schmidt said: "I appreciate the support I have had from the IRFU and look forward to the next two challenging years with the national team.

"It has been great to be involved in such a player-driven environment, along with such a skilled and positive staff to support them in their quest to be as competitive as possible."

The IRFU's announcement comes just 17 days before Ireland face an opening World Cup warm-up game against Wales in Cardiff.

"We believe that Joe is one of the leading coaches in world rugby, so we are delighted that he has extended his contract and will continue to work in Irish rugby until the end of the 2016/17 season," IRFU performance director David Nucifora said.

© PA Sport

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