World Cup semi ‘a dream’ Joe Schmidt would love to see come to fruition

Joe Schmidt has revealed Ireland’s 2019 Six Nations title defence took second place in priority to this autumn’s bid for a first World Cup semi-final place.

The head coach steps down from the role at the end of the World Cup in Japan after six-and-a-half years, with the squad leaving for Tokyo on Wednesday for Ireland’s opening game in Pool A in 13 days’ time against Scotland in Yokohama.