World Rugby appoints Joe Schmidt to new role

Former Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has been named as World Rugby’s new Director of Rugby and High Performance.

Schmidt, who was a player and Director of Rugby at Mullingar RFC during the early 1990s and has since retained a deep affection for his former domicile, making lifelong friends here, starts the role next month.

During his time in Westmeath, the affable New Zealander also coached the first XV at Wilson’s Hospital, Multyfarnham.

Schmidt steered Ireland to three Six Nations titles during his tenure as head coach, and a Grand Slam in 2018. He also coached Leinster to two European Cups, a Pro12 and a Challenge Cup.

“We are delighted to appoint a person of Joe's calibre, expertise and global credibility to this newly-created and strategically important position within the organisation,” said Brett Gosper, World Rugby chief executive, in a statement yesterday.

“It is fantastic to have an individual who has been at the forefront of the high-performance game management evolution at the very highest level for well over a decade.”

Schmidt’s new élite-level responsibilities include high performance, development of match officials, and technical functions including player training, education and welfare.

“I’m really looking forward to getting started. The professional game is the showpiece for our sport and involving key stakeholders in our discussions about how the game is played and how players are managed will be beneficial,” Schmidt said.