Schmidt agrees Leinster deal

LEINSTER last night confirmed that Josef Schmidt, assistant coach at Clermont Auvergne, will become the province’s head coach next season after signing a three-year deal.

Schmidt will take over from Michael Cheika, who had previously announced that he would not renew his contract after five successful years with Leinster.

“It’s an enormous opportunity,” said Schmidt, who takes over a professional team for the first time. “It’s a new challenge for me and I hope that I can bring something to the team.”