Pain game pays for Schmidt

Joe Schmidt’s incredible year was recognised yesterday with his confirmation as Philips Sports Manager of the Year, but the main topic of interest at the Shelbourne Hotel was the day that must rank as his most painful.

The Ireland manager was suffering from what proved to be appendicitis last month when he masterminded the defeat of Australia before being rushed to a Dublin hospital for surgery.

“Yeah, it was an uncomfortable day, an uncomfortable night,” he revealed. “It hurt more the night before. I wandered around the hotel until eight o’clock and the doc gave me two of the smallest tablets I’ve ever seen.