Pat Lam hoping Joe Schmidt stays on as Ireland head coach

The 50-year-old head coach's current contract expires next summer, and he could yet return to his native New Zealand.

Joe Schmidt does not need to hurry the decision over his long-term Ireland future, according to Connacht coach Pat Lam.

Schmidt is due to inform the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) whether he will take up a contract extension to lead Ireland into World Cup 2019.