Story highlights
Schmidt to step down as Ireland coach
Won coach of the year at World Rugby awards
Ireland wins three awards in Monaco
(CNN) —
Joe Schmidt will step down as Ireland’s head coach after next year’s Rugby World Cup.
Schmidt was crowned coach of the year in Monaco on Sunday having overseen a stellar year for Irish rugby, which has included a Six Nations Grand Slam, a series victory in Australia, and, most recently, a win over the All Blacks in Dublin.
The New Zealander, who has spent five years in the role, will be replaced by Briton Andy Farrell, currently the team’s defense coach.
“I have decided to finish coaching and will prioritize family commitments after the Rugby World Cup in 2019,” said the 53-year-old Schmidt on Monday.
“I feel that Irish Rugby is in good hands. The management and players have been incredible to work with and the tremendous support we have had, particularly at home in the Aviva Stadium, but wherever we have traveled has been uplifting.”
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Schmidt has been at the forefront of the most successful period in the history of Irish rugby, which has included three Six Nations titles and a first ever victory over New Zealand in 2016.
He helped Ireland set a 12-match unbeaten run during the 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons, as well as an ongoing run of 12 consecutive victories at home.
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PAUL FAITH/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Schmidt has overseen the most successful period in the history of Irish rugby.
“Thank you to the IRFU for their support and patience and thanks also to so many people who have adopted my family and me, making us feel part of the community here in Ireland,” Schmidt continued.
“There are some inspiring challenges over the next 11 months so there’s plenty of motivation for me to continue working hard, alongside the other management staff, so that the team can be as competitive as possible.”
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The news that Schmidt will stand down came just a day after Ireland completed a clean sweep at the World Rugby Awards.
Flyhalf Johnny Sexton won men’s 15s player of the year, while Ireland also won team of the year after losing just one match in 2018.
“Even after we beat the All Blacks a week ago, we came in on Monday morning and thought, ‘how are we going to be better?’ That’s got to be our mantra for the next 12 months,” captain Rory Best told CNN Sport, referring to Ireland’s 16-9 victory over New Zealand earlier in November.
“It has been over the five years that Joe has been involved. Players like Johnny [Sexton], Peter O’Mahony, CJ Stander – they want to get better. Even with Johnny being player of the year, you know that he is going into Leinster training on Tuesday morning and he’s going to want to be better.
“When he comes back in the Ireland squad he’s going to want to drive the standards.”
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Ireland players celebrate an unbeaten Six Nations campaign after defeating England 15-24 at Twickenham.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
It was Ireland's third ever Grand Slam and first since 2009.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
There were wild scenes back home in Dublin where Irish fans celebrated St. Patrick's Day in style.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Jacob Stockdale scored against England on the stroke of halftime. His seven tries for the tournament is a Six Nations record.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
The hosts leave the field dejected. It was the third defeat in a row for Eddie Jones' side, which slipped to fifth -- its lowest placing in the competition since 1983.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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GEOFF CADDICK/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Wales edged past France 14-13 in Cardiff, where wing Liam Williams got on the scoresheet in the opening minutes for the hosts.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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GEOFF CADDICK/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The result meant France finished fourth with two wins and three defeats.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
A late penalty from Greig Laidlaw ensured Scotland finished its campaign on a high, defeating Italy 27-29 in Rome.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Paolo Bruno/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Stuart Hogg put the visitors ahead late in the game, but it required Laidlaw's boot in the dying moments to secure the win.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Warren Little/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
For Italian captain Sergio Parisse (left), the defeat meant he became the first person ever to lose 100 test matches. His side failed to pick up a win in the Six Nations for the third season in a row.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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PAUL FAITH/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 4: Ireland vs. Scotland —
Ireland wrapped up the 2018 Six Nations with a game to spare after defeating Scotland 28-8 in Dublin.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 4: Ireland vs. Scotland —
An Irish fan is in full voice as she celebrates her team's first title since 2015 and the prospect of a first grand slam since 2009.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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PAUL FAITH/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 4: Ireland vs. Scotland —
Scotland, suffering a first defeat in three games, got its sole try through wing Blair Kinghorn.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 4: France vs. England —
For England, things went from bad to worse. The pre-tournament favorite suffered a second loss of the campaign, going down 19-16 to France in Paris.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 4: France vs. England —
A late surge from the visitors was repelled by Les Bleus, who celebrated their second victory of this year's tournament.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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THOMAS SAMSON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 4: France vs. England —
England lock Courtney Lawes loses grip of a line out at the Stade de France.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 4: France vs. England —
Center Mathieu Bastareaud salutes the crowd. France has won both its games since his return to the side.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 4: Wales vs. Italy —
Wales swept to a convincing 38-14 win over Italy at the Principality Stadium, where Leigh Halfpenny is seen making a break.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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GEOFF CADDICK/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 4: Wales vs. Italy —
George North made his first start of the campaign, bagging two of his side's five tries.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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GEOFF CADDICK/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 4: Wales vs. Italy —
Italy's search for a Six Nations win goes on. The Azzurri did muster two scores in Cardiff through Matteo Minozzi and Mattia Bellini.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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PAUL ELLIS/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 3: Scotland vs. England —
Scotland's flanker John Barclay kisses the Calcutta Cup after his side's 25-13 victory over England at Murrayfield, Edinburgh. It was the first time Scotland has beaten its oldest rival in ten years.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 3: Scotland vs. England —
Center Huw Jones bagged a brace. The second was his tenth in 14 internationals.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 3: Scotland vs. England —
For England, it was its second defeat under coach Eddie Jones in 26 games, the first coming against Ireland in last year's Six Nations.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 3: Ireland vs. Wales —
A thrilling encounter at Dublin's Aviva Stadium saw Ireland beat Wales 37-27. Winger Jacob Stockdale intercepted a Welsh pass to score the decisive try -- his second of the game -- in the closing stages.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 3: Ireland vs. Wales —
Wales ensured the result went down to the wire with a couple of second-half tries. Steff Evans scored in the 77th minute to put late pressure on Ireland.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 3: Ireland vs. Wales —
Keith Earls tries to escape the clutches of Welsh flanker Josh Navidi.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 3: Ireland vs. Wales —
Victory means Ireland is the only side at this stage to maintain its 100% record in this year's Six Nations.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 3: France vs. Italy —
France, meanwhile, notched its first victory of the campaign by defeating Italy 34-17. Hugo Bonneval crossed in the second half to seal the win.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 3: France vs. Italy —
The loss was Italy's 15th consecutive Six Nations defeat across three seasons. Coach Conor O'Shea is yet to pick up a win in the tournament.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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BORIS HORVAT/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 3: France vs. Italy —
The match was played at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille -- the first time ever France has hosted a Six Nations game away from Paris.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 2: England vs. Wales —
England's Owen Farrell celebrates his side's 12-6 victory over Wales during the second weekend of the Six Nations.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 2: England vs. Wales —
The home side raced into an early lead at Twickenham courtesy of two Jonny May tries. But controversy soon followed...
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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BEN STANSALL/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 2: England vs. Wales —
After Anthony Watson (C) and Gareth Anscombe (R) dived at a kick in England's in-goal area, the television match official ruled that Watson had touched the ball down first. Wales coach Warren Gatland felt his side was denied a try, calling the decision a "terrible mistake" in what turned out to be a tightly-contested affair.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Gareth Copley/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 2: Ireland vs. Italy —
Ireland cruised past Italy 56-19 in Dublin, with Conor Murray (pictured) getting on the score sheet.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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PAUL FAITH/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 2: Ireland vs. Italy —
While Italy crossed for three tries, it wasn't enough to secure a bonus point. The Azzurri remain winless and bottom of the championship.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 2: Scotland vs. France —
Traveling French fans were in full voice at Murrayfield for their side's clash with Scotland.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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David Rogers/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 2: Scotland vs. France —
But it was the home supporters who had more reason to cheer as their side won 32-26, picking up a first win of the tournament.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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David Rogers/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 2: Scotland vs. France —
Greig Laidlaw put in a flawless kicking display, slotting 22 points from the tee.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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THOMAS SAMSON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 1: France vs. Ireland —
On the opening weekend of the Six Nations, Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton was the hero as his side claimed a last gasp 15-13 victory over France.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 1: France vs. Ireland —
Sexton scored a long range drop goal with time up on the clock to claim victory.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 1: France vs. Ireland —
Irish fans celebrate in the Stade de France.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Round 1: France vs. Ireland —
Controversy arose in the game after France's Antoine Dupont was sent for a head injury assessment (HIA) despite appearing to injure his knee. The HIA call enabled France, who had used all of their substitutes, to reintroduce starting scrum half Maxime Machenaud as a temporary replacement during the game's closing stages.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 1: France vs. Ireland —
The dramatic nature of Ireland's late victory left the French crowd dejected.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 1: Wales vs. Scotland —
Scotland was another side to feel the blues on the opening weekend, succumbing 34-7 to Wales in Cardiff.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 1: Wales vs. Scotland —
Leigh Halfpenny scored two tries for the rampant Welsh.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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David Rogers/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 1: Wales vs. Scotland —
Steff Evans (pictured) and Gareth Davies also crossed the line for Wales.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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David Rogers/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 1: Wales vs. Scotland —
A happy Wales fan takes in the action in Cardiff as Wales trounce Scotland.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 1: Italy vs. England —
The final match of the opening weekend saw Italy face England in Rome.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 1: Italy vs. England —
Debutant Sam Simmonds scored twice for England as the reigning champions cut loose to win 46-15.
Photos: Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament
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Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Round 1: Italy vs. England —
Owen Farrell also touched down and contributed four conversions and a penalty.
Sexton, who had Best speaking on his behalf at the awards event in Monaco after losing his voice, became the first non-All Black player to be crowned player of the year since 2011.
Also nominated were South Africans Faf de Klerk and Malcolm Marx and New Zealanders Rieko Ioane and Beauden Barrett – who won the award in 2016 and 2017.
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Sexton has been instrumental in his country’s rise to becoming the No. 2 ranked side in the world in recent years, as well as winning a domestic and European double with club side Leinster.
Given Ireland’s recent win against the All Blacks, Schmidt’s team has its best chance ever of winning the World Cup next year in Japan.
“It’s been a great bit of time for us now and we’ve created little bits of history along the way,” said Best. “But we’ve a couple of bits we want to do over the next 12 months under Joe’s tenure.
“We’ve learnt some valuable lessons and some really hard lessons along the way. We’ve always been about the next game and making sure we perform well.
“The next game we have is England at the Aviva Stadium. There’s nothing that will focus the mind more than a game like that.”
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Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Sexton looks to evade the clutches of New Zealand's Kieran Read in the recent test.
Elsewhere at the award ceremony, Jessy Trémoulière won women’s player of the year after helping France win its sixth Six Nations title.
Trémoulière ended the competition as the top points scorer and joint-top try scorer, which included a last-minute winner against England.
Perry Baker was once again named men’s sevens player of the year after bagging 37 tries in the World Rugby Sevens Series where he won silverware with the U.S. in Las Vegas.
New Zealander Michaela Blyde, meanwhile, won the women’s sevens player of the year after the Black Ferns won the Commonwealth Games, the World Cup, and finished runners-up in the World Series.
“I couldn’t do what I do without the teammates that I have and the coaching staff that I have around me,” 22-year-old Blyde told CNN Sport.
“Full credit to them, they helped me become the rugby player that I am today. I dedicate all these awards to my teammates.
“We’re definitely fighting for that top spot on the World Series this year.”
