Joe Schmidt. Photo: Getty ImagesJoe Schmidt is stepping down as Ireland head coach after the 2019 World Cup in Japan. He will be replaced by defence coach Andy Farrell, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) said. Since taking on the job in 2013, Schmidt has overseen the team's most successful period. "I have decided to finish coaching and will prioritise family commitments after the RWC [World Cup] in 2019," Schmidt, who has spoken previously about his teenage son's difficulties with epilepsy, said in an IRFU statement.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 26, 2018 19:07 UTC