DESPITE THE FACT his contract does not expire until after the 2016 Six Nations, the IRFU confirmed yesterday that talks regarding a new deal for Joe Schmidt are under way.

Chief Executive of the organisation Philip Browne would not expand on what type of offer was on the table for the New Zealander but does hope to get everything tied up before this Autumn’s World Cup.

Speaking at an Irish Sports Council event yesterday, Browne said:

“We’re in discussions with Joe, he’s just off the back of the Six Nations and he’s been away on holidays and I’m sure those discussions will come to some sort of conclusion over the next couple of months.”

With two Six Nations titles and a pair of Heineken Cups in his trophy cabinet, Schmidt is one of the most highly regarded coaches in world rugby with various pundits tipping him for the role of head coach with the British & Irish Lions or the top job with the All Blacks when Steve Hansen’s contract expires.

Signing a new deal with Ireland would not preclude the 49-year from taking the Lions job with Warren Gatland afforded the opportunity in 2013 with the blessing of the Welsh Rugby Union.

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