Schmidt backed for Ireland

Joe Schmidt has been tipped to be a success if he becomes Ireland coach — by the man who brought him to the northern hemisphere.

Clermont Auvergne coach Vern Cotter worked with Schmidt in New Zealand then brought him to France where he helped turn them into Top14 champions after ten final defeats.

Cotter said: “Joe is a good man. I took him on board at Bay of Plenty as my assistant backs coach. Then when he went to the Blues, I went to the Crusaders.