FORMER Auckland Blues assistant Joe Schmidt has been named as coach of Leinster, according to the Irish Times.
Schmidt (right) has been working as a backs coach for the past three years at Clermont Auvergne where, alongside fellow Kiwi Vern Cotter, he has guided the French Club to three consecutive Top 14 finals.
The 44-year-old signed a three-year deal with the defending Heineken Cup champions and will replace Australian Michael Cheika at the start of the 2010-11 season.
He is likely to be assisted at the Dublin-based club by compatriot and former All Black, Chiefs and Waikato loose forward Jonno Gibbes.
Schmit comes with a good track record, also helping the Blues win the Super 12 in 2003 and Bay of Plenty lift the Ranfurly Shield for the first time a year later. CLICK HERE to read more.
Filed under: Heineken Cup, International, Ireland, Magners League, News | Tagged: All Black, Auckland Blues, Bay of Plenty, Chiefs, Clermont Auvergne, Dublin, Heineken Cup, Irish Times, Joe Schmidt, Jonno Gibbes, Lee Stace, Leinster, Michael Cheika, Ranfurly Shield, Top 14, under the sticks, Vern Cotter, Waikato | Leave a comment »
Under the Sticks 