DUBLIN (AP) Joe Schmidt has committed his future as Ireland head coach until the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
The Irish Rugby Football Union made the announcement on Monday ahead of Ireland's autumn series-opener against New Zealand in Chicago.
Schmidt, a New Zealander, took charge of Ireland in 2013 and masterminded back-to-back Six Nations titles in 2014 and 2015, plus away victories over South Africa and Argentina.
The 51-year-old Schmidt thanked the governing body for showing ''patience and confidence'' in him after the ''decision to continue took somewhat longer than I'd anticipated.''
Schmidt added that it's ''difficult at times being so far away from extended family, but we appreciate how lucky we are to have the support we have.''
