Schmidt effect vital in uncertain times

The financial success of this Autumn Series is crucial to the IRFU

There has been much talk of a new era beginning for Irish rugby this month at the Aviva Stadium and it is, admittedly, difficult not to get caught up in the buzz of optimism.

That feeling is based around the feelgood factor of the appointment of Joe Schmidt, an intelligent, detailed and accurate head coach who should bring about improvements on the pitch. Off it, this autumn series is of equal, if not more, importance.