Joe Schmidt led Leinster to back-to-back Heineken Cup titles and has been confirmed as the man to replace Declan Kidney as Ireland boss.

A former school headmaster, Schmidt coached the New Zealand Schools Rugby Team before coaching Bay of Plenty Rugby Union from 2003-2004. He guided the Steamers to the Ranfurly Shield, defeating Auckland on August 15, 2004. They had one successful defence of the title before losing to Canterbury.

He joined the Auckland Blues from 2004-2007 where in his final year they were knocked out in the semi-final. He then moved with fellow Kiwi Vern Cotter to France, where his stylish Clermont side reached four successive finals before finally winning the Bouclier de Brennus in May 2010.

When Michael Cheika announced his decision to step down as Leinster boss, the Irish province moved to appoint the relatively unknown, but highly rated assistant to their top job.

In his first season with Leinster, Schmidt led the province to both the Celtic League and Heineken Cup finals. While the latter ended in silverware for his side, thanks to a memorable 33-22 triumph over Northampton, the league finale saw his team fall to Munster. And it was a similar story the following season. Leinster triumphed in the Heineken Cup but fell in the Celtic League final.

Come 2012-13, Schmidt was heavily linked with the Ireland job following Kidney's departure from the post following a disappointing Six Nations and on April 29, he was handed the reins on a deal taking him up to after the 2015 World Cup.