These past few years have been the greatest in the history of Irish rugby with two wins over the All Blacks and three grand slam wins for the boys in green. Much of that must be credited to head coach Joe Schmidt.
However, currently being one of the best coaches in the world Schmidt has announced he will retire following Ireland’s World Cup campaign in 2019 to spend more time with his family. Andy Farrell who is the current defensive coach for Ireland will take over the reins. Former Ireland hooker Shane Byrne who played alongside Farrell, has shared his thoughts on his appointment.
“Andy is a huge presence in coaching. Physically he’s a big bloke, he’s very direct.”
“It’s good that the IRFU are promoting from within because he will be immersed in the way Joe deals with everything to do with the game and that is so very very important.”
“Andy himself is a rugby league legend, he was a god in rugby league for so many years and an absolute professional.”
Ireland’s next fixture in the new year is the first game of the six nations on the second of February as they welcome England to the Aviva stadium. Joe will be looking to leave on a high with another successful year and no doubt the player’s will give their all to make that happen.
Listen to the show in full here;
On this morning’s show we were joined by new Ireland manager Mick McCarthy, head of the FAI John Delaney, new Ireland under twenty-one’s boss Stephen Kenny and ex player Darren O’Dea following the huge change up in the Ireland set up and looking ahead of the Euro 2020 draw. We also chatted to World amateur boxing champion Kellie Harrington following her return from India.
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