Andy Farrell to take over Irish coaching role after RWC 2019

Irish Rugby have today confirmed that Joe Schmidt will finish coaching following the Rugby World Cup in Japan next year, with Andy Farrell taking over the head coach role after the tournament.

"I have decided to finish coaching and will prioritise family commitments after the RWC in 2019," commented Schmidt on his decision to finish coaching.

"I feel that Irish rugby is in good hands. The management and players have been incredible to work with and the tremendous support we have had, particularly at home in the Aviva, but where ever we have travelled has been uplifting.

Thank you to the IRFU for their support and patience and thanks also to so many people who have adopted my family and me, making us feel part of the community here in Ireland.

There are some inspiring challenges over the next 11 months so there's plenty of motivation for me to continue working hard, alongside the other management staff, so that the team can be as competitive as possible."

Joe was appointed Ireland head coach ahead of the 2013 Guinness Series and has overseen the most successful period in the national team's history winning three Six Nations titles (2014, 2015) including a Grand Slam (2018), a first win on South African soil (2016), a first win over New Zealand (2016) and a series win in Australia (2018).

Yesterday he was named World Rugby Coach of the Year for 2018 and Ireland were named World Rugby Team of the Year.

Andy Farrell commented on his new role, "It is a privilege to be considered for such a prestigious role. I have learned a lot from Joe over the past few seasons and I will continue to learn from him over the next year as the coaching group and players focus on competing in two huge tournaments in 2019."

Before joining the Ireland set-up Andy coached with England (2012-2015) and English Premiership side Saracens. He has coached on the two most recent successful Lions tours which produced a series win in Australia and a drawn series in New Zealand.