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.

“As soon as I had an opportunity to bring him over here I quickly grabbed it. He is a guy that’s smart, he is a good technician and he knows his game. And he is a good person.”

The Clermont coach is not surprised Schmidt has enjoyed so much success with Leinster and that he is top of the IRFU’s list to replace Declan Kidney.

“He helped me here in Clermont for three years which was great and then he finally got over that hurdle and he has done very well indeed for Leinster — with a lot of our plays!

“I am very happy for Joe and I think it is a logical progression for him (to succeed Kidney).

“I have spoken to him recently and hopefully things will work out for him and that he’ll be able to take the job. And he’ll be very good for Irish rugby.”