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Joe Schmidt will step down as Irish head coach after next year's World Cup in Japan

Joe Schmidt will step down as Irish head coach after next year's World Cup in Japan

The I-R-F-U has confirmed that Joe Schmidt will leave his role as the Ireland head coach after the 2019 World Cup.

They have also named his successor.

Current defence coach Andy Farrell will take charge at the point.

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The decision comes just hours after Ireland completed a clean sweep at the World Rugby Awards.

Jonathan Sexton headed the Triple Crown as Irish rugby collected the team, player and coach's prize in Monaco last night.

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Sexton ended seven years of New Zealand dominance by becoming the first Irish man since 2001 to be named World Player of the Year.

Joe Schmidt scooped the Coach of the Year award.

After wining the Grand Slam and beating the All Black in 2018, Ireland were named team of the year.

Sexton had lost his voice, so Rory Best made his acceptance speech.

 

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