Joe Schmidt did not look happy when a job rumour was brought into the open.
Most of us were shocked, then dismissive, when we read reports, this morning, that the English RFU were looking to replace Stuart Lancaster with Ireland’s head coach.
A couple of credible rugby sources ran with the story that may be nothing more than wishful thinking from the RFU after a wretched World Cup. Lancaster has been under immense pressure ever since Australia eliminated them from the tournament.
The question was put to Schmidt at this afternoon’s team announcement – ahead of Sunday’s Argentina quarter final – and it was met with a firm response. Schmidt said:
“Look, I don’t know where that has come from.
“Externally, I’d be a fan of Stuart Lancaster – as a person and what he has tried to build there.
“If we had lost, last weekend, it could be someone else being propositioned for my job. Unfortunately, it is one of the things about coaching but I think Stuart is a first-class character. I’ve enjoyed chatting to him, pre- and post-matches.
“I certainly wouldn’t be going after his job.”
Great stuff.
We can all breathe again and focus on Ireland reaching their first ever World Cup semi-final again.
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