DUBLIN — The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) Monday said they had appointed New Zealand's Joe Schmidt to the job of Ireland head coach as replacement for the sacked Declan Kidney. Schmidt will leave his role as Leinster head coach to succeed Kidney, who was dismissed earlier this month after Ireland finished fifth in the Six Nations tournament. The IRFU, which announced the appointment on its website irishrugby.ie, selected Schmidt, a two-time European Cup-winning coach, ahead of Les Kiss and Ewen McKenzie, who were also candidates. No further details were given. Schmidt is thought to have been offered a three-year contract. — AP
