Joe Schmidt joins New Zealand after Covid fells coaches before Ireland tour
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Joe Schmidt has been rushed into the New Zealand set-up after Covid-19 felled the side’s coaching stocks on the eve of Ireland’s tour. The former Ireland boss was due to start coaching his home country’s side after the tour but positive tests for head coach Ian Foster as well as assistants John Plumtree and Scott McLeod forced Schmidt to join them early, NZ Rugby said. Irish Rugby Football Union also said in their update that forwards Iain Henderson and Rob Herring would need scans after picking up knocks at training ahead of the side’s first match in New Zealand. The trip will be another crucial stepping stone towards next year’s World Cup in France, where Ireland could potentially meet New Zealand in the quarter-finals for the second-successive tournament, having suffered a 46-14 loss in Japan in 2019.
History of this topic
Joe McCarthy sets sights on a place in Andy Farrell’s Lions tour squad
The Independent
Joe Schmidt rolls the dice against England with Lions on his mind
The Telegraph
One year to fix Australia: Joe Schmidt and Phil Waugh on the battle to revive the Wallabies
The Telegraph
Rookie Jimmy O’Brien ready to take on New Zealand if injuries bite for Ireland
The Independent
Rugby World Cup 2019: Johnny Sexton to captain Ireland for first time against Russia
Daily Mail
Rugby World Cup 2019 diary: Ireland boss Joe Schmidt wins over the locals in Japan
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