Schmidt heading to Leinster

New Zealander agrees three-year deal to replace Cheika

Last updated: 29th December 2009  

Schmidt heading to Leinster

Schmidt: New Leinster coach

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New Zealander Josef Schmidt has been confirmed as Leinster's new coach from the 2010/11 season.

The 44-year-old, who is currently working as assistant coach to Vern Cotter at Top 14 outfit Clermont, will take over the reins from Michael Cheika after agreeing a three-year deal.

Cheika, who helped guide Leinster to both the Magners League title and the Heineken Cup during his five years in Dublin, had already announced that he would leave the province at the end of his current deal.

Schmidt, though, will arrive at the RDS with an impressive CV, having helped Clermont to the final of Top 14 play-offs in his two seasons working with the backs and won the Ranfurly Shield while at the Bay of Plenty.

The 44-year-old, who will announce the make-up of his backroom staff in the coming weeks, was also the backs coach for the Auckland Blues in the Super 14 before moving to France.

And Schmidt, who had a stint playing in Leinster for junior side Mullingar in the 1990s, is relishing the chance to make his mark in Dublin.

"It's an enormous opportunity," said Schmidt.

"It's a new challenge for me and I hope that I can bring something to the team."