IRFU CEO Identifies Joe Schmidt’s Perfect Replacements
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Irish Rugby Football Union CEO Philip Browne has made it clear that if Joe Schmidt decides to call time on his tenure as the Ireland head coach there are two perfectly able Englishmen waiting to fill the gap.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Browne identified Andy Farrell and Stuart Lancaster as being "more than capable" of picking up where Schmidt may soon leave off.
The New Zealander will make a call on his future at the end of the November Internationals with many speculating that the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan could be Schmidt's last hurrah in charge of a team he has managed to such great success.
Andy Farrell has been extremely successful with the side while Stuart Lancaster has salvaged his reputation in some style with his work at the all-conquering Leinster after a disastrous 2015 Rugby World Cup in charge of England.
Browne assured the English media outlet that Ireland may well be doing all they can to keep their talents on this island.
"They're both hugely impressive individuals," Browne stated.
"You only have to hear what the Leinster players say about Stuart. And what the Ireland players - and the Lions players - say about Andy.
"So whoever has either of them in their coaching set-up is very fortunate. We're very fortunate to have Andy in our national set-up at the moment."
Although Browne was quick to confirm that retaining the services of Schmidt beyond 2019 is the top priority of the IRFU, he believes both Lancaster and Farrell are "more than capable of stepping up."
