Joe Schmidt to decide on future this summer

Joe Schmidt will decide this summer whether he will lead Ireland into the 2019 World Cup or quit as head coach in June 2017.

Ireland’s double Six Nations-winning coach, 50, will be out of contract in 15 months but yesterday promised to reach a decision on his future at the helm of Irish rugby when his squad returns from a three-Test tour to South Africa.

Speaking after announcing the Ireland team for tomorrow’s final 2016 RBS 6 Nations fixture at home to Scotland, Schmidt was asked whether he would be staying in charge until the next World Cup.