Where next for Joe Schmidt?

Speculation is rife that the Ireland coach will end up managing his native New Zealand, but it mightn’t necessarily turn out that way

Joe Schmidt: the Ireland coach will announce his decision on extending his Ireland contract early this week Pic: INPHO/Billy Stickland

Management is a funny business. Consider Brian Clough. In July 1974, he was named manager of Leeds United. At the time, they were the champions, the best team in England. Clough, for his part, was the most exciting young manager in the country. A marriage made in heaven, the football world assumed.

In interviews before he took up the role, Clough said that success could only be measured by winning the league better ...