Joe Schmidt: ‘I’m certainly not going anywhere’

Ireland coach downplays talk linking him with England post if vacancy should arise

Ireland's rugby squad was welcomed home to Dublin airport after the teams disappointing loss to Argentina. The head coach, Joe Schmidt, thanked the fans and looked towards the next challenge, retaining the six nations.

Joe Schmidt has played down talk of him taking the England job by pledging his commitment to Ireland.

Stuart Lancaster’s future as England coach will be decided in the coming weeks as the RFU take stock of a disastrous World Cup campaign that saw the hosts depart at the group stage.

Schmidt’s name has been mentioned as a possible successor should Lancaster pay the price for England’s performances.

Speaking to Ryan Tubridy on Friday night's Late Late Show and asked about the rumours linking him with the England post, Schmidt said: "I've stabbed it a few times, it will die pretty quickly I'm pretty sure.

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“I’m absolutely committed to the group of young men who I work with. They are such a good group, I can’t wait to get started post Christmas, looking towards the Six Nations. We’re going forward as best we can and I’m certainly not going anywhere.”

Emmet Riordan

Emmet Riordan

Emmet Riordan is an Irish Times sports journalist