SIMON LEWIS: Schmidt faces new learning curve

As impressive as he has been since he took the Leinster job three seasons ago, Joe Schmidt strode into the Ireland hot seat with the aim of ushering in an era of new hope for the national team.

Like the situation he found himself in when he left his assistant coach’s job under Vern Cotter at ASM Clermont Auvergne for Donnybrook, Schmidt will leave a position he was very comfortable in for one that presents entirely different challenges and pressures.

Three years ago the New Zealander had felt no desire to become a head coach yet ended up guiding Leinster to back-to-back Heineken Cup victories, transforming an already proven team of winners into something even more impressive, playing with greater verve and conviction, if that were possible.