Leinster have no ‘Plan B’ if Schmidt exits for Ireland job

Leinster have confirmed there is no ‘Plan B’ in position in the event that Joe Schmidt is diverted from his role with the province and into the national hotseat vacated by Declan Kidney.

The Kiwi is clearly the best qualified man for the job of taking Ireland forward given his track record stretching back to a coaching bow with Bay of Plenty, through his time as assistant with Auckland Blues and Clermont Auvergne and on to his current posting with Leinster where he has won two Heineken Cups.

Ewen McKenzie remains favourite with most bookmakers but Schmidt’s intimate knowledge of an Irish professional system which remains unique in world rugby is another obvious advantage even if he has 14 months to run on his current contract.