Joe Schmidt. Photo / Getty Images
A New Zealander is being tipped as a favourite to replace Declan Kidney as Ireland's coach.
Kidney was sacked by the Irish Rugby Football Union yesterday following a disappointing Six Nations campaign.
Former Blues assistant Joe Schmidt has coached Irish side Leinster to consecutive Heineken Cup titles and has one
more year on his contract at the club. He recently distanced himself from speculation linking him to the Irish top job.
"Whenever we lose I don't get a lot of sleep but I know that Declan will still be in the mix and until that is sorted ... I am not a massive fan of conjecture. I'm here at Leinster next year and that keeps my hands full."
Schmidt ruled himself out of the Blues' top job last year but at the time said he'd be keen to return to New Zealand in the near future with his daughter looking to study back home.
