Philip Browne confirms Joe Schmidt talks

The future of Ireland coach Joe Schmidt could be resolved ahead of the World Cup with IRFU chief executive Philip Browne confirming that talks about a new deal are underway.

The New Zealander’s contract with the union expires after next year’s Six Nations and with two championship titles at Test level to add to his pair of Heineken Cups at Leinster, Schmidt will not be short of suitors.

Browne acknowledged yesterday that discussions had begun, however, he would not expand on how good a hand the IRFU had to play.