Schmidt answers Ireland's call
Double European Cup-winning Leinster boss Joe Schmidt has been confirmed as the new Ireland coach.
Schmidt will leave his role as Leinster head coach to succeed Kidney, who was dismissed earlier this month after Ireland finished fifth in the Six Nations tournament.
The IRFU selected Schmidt ahead of Les Kiss and Ewen McKenzie, who were also candidates.
Schmidt is thought to have been offered a three-year contract that runs until 2016 and includes the 2015 World Cup hosted by England.
Last year he signed a new deal at Leinster until 2014 but the IRFU decided he was the right man to revitalise Irish rugby.
Kiss, Ireland's attack coach under Kidney, will lead the forthcoming tour to the United States and Canada, so the November internationals against Samoa, Australia and New Zealand will be Schmidt's first matches in charge.
Schmidt guided Leinster to the 2011 and 2012 European Cups after coming to the club from French side Clermont where, as assistant to Vern Cotter, he helped win their first ever French title in 2010.
This season he has kept Leinster on target for a Celtic League and European Challenge Cup double.
