Joe Schmidt signs Ireland contract extension until 2017

Irish rugby has received a huge boost ahead of the World Cup with news that head coach Joe Schmidt has signed a two-year extension that will keep him in charge at least until the summer of 2017.

Since taking over from Declan Kidney in 2013, the 49-year-old New Zealander has achieved a 78 per cent win ratio with 14 wins and four losses in 18 Test matches, winning back-to-back Six Nations titles as Ireland have moved up from eighth to third in the IRB world rankings.

In a statement released by the IRFU, 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.”

IRFU performance director, David Nucifora said: "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.

“Outside of his national team duties, Joe has contributed to the development of indigenous coaches across the provincial and underage structures as well as having a positive input into the Ireland U20s and women’s squads.”

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne added: “Joe embodies the core values of the IRFU in what he does and his commitment to the national team is mirrored by his support of rugby clubs and schools. He is a tremendous ambassador for our game and will continue to be a vital asset to Irish Rugby over the coming years.”

Schmidt’s contract extension will extend his coaching stay in Ireland to seven years after he led Leinster from 2010 after joining the province from Clermont Auvergne, where he was backs coach.

Leinster won their second Heineken Cup in his first year in charge and made it back-to-back titles in 2012. Schmidt’s final year in charge saw Leinster win the Amlin Challenge Cup and the Pro 12 titles.