New Leinster Head Coach Named

[fleabane]

New Zealander Josef Schmidt has been named as the new Leinster head coach for the forthcoming season.

The 44-year-old has signed a three-year deal to take over once coach Australian Michael Cheika leaves the post.

Schmidt is currently an assistant coach at Clermont Auvergne and helped steer the French club to three successive French championship finals.

"It's an enormous opportunity," said Schmidt. "It's a new challenge. I hope I can bring something to the team."

Schmidt coached the Auckland Blues in the Super 14 and won the Ranfurly Shield with Bay of Plenty.

Cheika, who joined Leinster in 2005, had previously announced he would not renew his contract.

from Yahoo Sport