Joe Schmidt to step down from World Rugby role

Planet Rugby 03 Sep 2021 10:48 AM

Former Ireland rugby coach Joe Schmidt enters the parade ring during day four of the Christmas Festival at Leopardstown Racecourse. PA Photo. Picture date: Sunday December 29, 2019. See PA story RACING Leopardstown. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt will step down from his position as World Rugby’s director of rugby and high performance at the end of this year.

World Rugby said Schmidt had decided to spend more time with his family at home in New Zealand.

Services not entirely lost

However, the 55-year-old’s services are not entirely lost as he will stay on as a member of the governing body’s high performance rugby committee and laws review group.

World Rugby said: “With the global pandemic having restricted movement, and with significant opportunity for reflection, Schmidt has decided that he will continue to reside in New Zealand rather than relocate to Ireland (World Rugby’s base) in order to ensure the best possible work-life balance for him and his family.”

Schmidt, whose appointment was announced in October 2020, added: “World Rugby have a challenging task bringing together a vast array of stakeholders to grow and future proof the game, particularly with the pandemic creating further complications.

“I would like to thank the World Rugby staff for their support and positivity during the past 12 months.

“There is a real passion among them to help the game be all it can be for everyone involved, and I have enjoyed my time as part of the team, working in partnership with unions, regions and competitions.

“I am disappointed to be leaving World Rugby, but look forward to continuing an association with them through the high performance rugby committee and other key working groups.”

Dan McFarland explains Ulster’s lack of signings

In other news, Ulster head coach Dan McFarland has explained why the Northern Irish province have made just one signing ahead of the 2021/22 season.

Former Leinster second-row Mick Kearney joined the Kingspan Stadium-based outfit on a short-term deal from Italian outfit Zebre. Ulster were set to sign Fijian utility forward Leone Nakarawa from Racing 92 but the deal collapsed when he failed a medical examination.

“It was really disappointing that the Leone deal didn’t come through,” he told the Belfast Telegraph.

“It was a tough decision, but it was based on the right reasons.

“Looking forward, we haven’t written off bringing someone in, but the key thing is that we want to bring in the right person.”