RUGBY:LEINSTER have completed a deal to bring Clermont Auvergne's backs coach Josef Schmidt in to replace head coach Michael Cheika. The Kiwi has signed a three year deal with the European Champions and will become head coach for the 2010/11 season.
While he has yet to confirm his plans publicly, it has been known for some time that Cheika will leave his post at the end of the season.
Schmidt has worked with Clermont for three years having cut his teeth alongside Clermont head coach Vern Cotter at Bay of Plenty. He also had a stint coaching at the Auckland Blues but the Leinster job will be his first senior head-coach position.
“It’s an enormous opportunity,” the 44-year-old said. “It’s a new challenge for me and I hope I can bring something to the team.”
Leinster’s Isa Nacewa, who worked under Schmidt at the Blues, has already spoken in glowing terms of his ability.
“He is the Mr Rugby in my mind,” he told The Irish Times last month. “He taught me most of the stuff that I know about a backline in the three years I was with him at the Blues. He had a young mind into the game, and he really knows the game of rugby – the reasons why you do moves.”
Meanwhile, Tommy Bowe has ended the speculation surrounding his future by signing a new contract with the Ospreys. The Ireland winger had been linked with a move to Munster or Leinster but put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Welsh club.
The 25-year-old former Ulster player enjoyed a stellar year in 2009, starring in Ireland’s Grand Slam triumph and enhancing his reputation on the Lions tour of South Africa. His new contract will keep him at the Liberty Stadium until 2013.
“I was flattered by the interest from other European clubs, but after taking advice from my agent, family and friends, it all came back to the fact that I am enjoying my rugby and life in general at the Ospreys,” the Monaghan man said yesterday.
“Obviously, a return to Ireland had a strong emotional pull and I take enormous pride in the privilege of wearing the Irish jersey. With a father from Munster and a mother from Leinster, who are season ticket-holders at Ulster, and having played for Ulster with great friends there, you can imagine the thorough family discussions about the merits of returning to play in Ireland.
“I just feel all the ingredients are here for long-term success and I wanted to give Mike Cuddy, Roger Blyth, the coaches, my team-mates and the Ospreys supporters my commitment for three years.”
Munster will be without Felix Jones for the “immediate future” following the neck injury he sustained during Saturday’s Magners League success over Connacht. Jones left the field in the 14th minute and remains under observation in hospital.
“The fullback damaged neck ligaments as a result of an accidental collision early in the game,” the province said yesterday. “He was immediately removed to hospital and will remain there for observation for a number of days.”
