Joe Schmidt

All Blacks send SOS to former Ireland coach

Schmidt coached the Irish for six years from 2013 and his reign included Ireland's first two wins over the All Blacks.

"Joe will come in for Tuesday and Thursday's training this week, and we're really grateful to have his help," Foster said in a statement.

"We've planned for this kind of disruption and we've got back-up plans and people on standby. Joe was one of those people we could call on.

"I've got every confidence in our coaching group and in our senior leaders who are all stepping up in what's a massive test for us."

New Zealand Rugby confirm Joe Schmidt's appointment as All Blacks selector

Schmidt joins the All Blacks in place of long-standing selector Grant Fox, who will stand down from his position following next year’s mid-year tests against Ireland.

News of Schmidt’s arrival at the All Blacks comes in the wake of reports from various media outlets that linked the Kiwi coach to the role.

The 56-year-old’s position with the New Zealand national side coincides with his new part-time role with the Blues as a support coach for next year’s inaugural edition of Super Rugby Pacific.

Joe Schmidt joins Blues coaching staff for 2022 season

Schmidt was confirmed on Tuesday to step into a part-time role as a “support coach” to assist Leon MacDonald. He had been an assistant with the franchise from 407, before heading offshore to carve out a respectable international career, in France and Ireland.

The move back into coaching came after Schmidt had taken some time away from hands-on development following his 2019 World Cup commitments with Ireland, and is a positive move by the Blues after the off-season departure of key assistant coach Tana Umaga.

Schmidt's frustration over injured Ireland stars

Flanker O’Mahony and centre Aki failed Head Injury Assessments (HIAs) in Ireland’s stunning 27-3 bonus-point win over Scotland in Yokohama on Sunday.

Head coach Schmidt revealed neither Ireland star was showing any concussion symptoms after their opening Pool A encounter – but was left to lament the coupling of a six-day return-to-play process with the same length of time to his side’s next match.

Joe Schmidt rules out NZ coaching job after World Cup

New Zealand born Schmidt said he's committed to having at least 12 months off to spend more time with his family, in particular, his 15-year-old son, Luke who suffers from epilepsy and battled a brain tumour when he was younger.

Schmidt's decision means the All Blacks will have to look elsewhere for a new head coach to replace Steven Hansen, who announced last month he'll stand down at the end of the World Cup.

Irish skipper touts Schmidt as Lions coach

Best has backed the Ireland coach to guide the Lions to a Test series victory in South Africa should he seek out the challenge.

Schmidt, 53, announced in November that he plans to finish coaching after the 2019 World Cup to focus on his family.

"The Lions is one of the few things he hasn't done," said Best.

"He hasn't been given the opportunity to be successful there."

Schmidt refused to rule out a return to coaching after taking a break and could well command a New Zealand coaching post if he does come back into the game.

Joe Schmidt leaving coaching

The New Zealander has been seen as a likely successor to Steve Hansen at the All Blacks.

Schmidt will be replaced at Ireland by defence coach Andy Farrell.

Since taking on the job in 2013, Schmidt has overseen the team's most successful period, winning three Six Nations titles, as well as victories over New Zealand and a series triumph in Australia to announce Ireland as serious World Cup contenders.

Joe Schmidt to announce his future next week

Schmidt's Ireland contract expires after next year's World Cup in Japan and the 53-year-old admits he is still agonising about his decision.

"It's a decision that will probably not be finalised until Sunday, certainly by early next week," said Schmidt.

"But it's a decision that's been a long time coming," added the Ireland coach.

"To be honest I've beaten myself up enough about this decision. I'm probably going to be the most pleased of anyone when it is finally made."