Reports link Joe Schmidt with new All Blacks role

Former Ireland and Leinster boss Joe Schmidt is poised to join the All Blacks as a selector according to New Zealand rugby outlet stuff.co.nz.

The story goes on to suggest that the 56-year-old will replace Grant Fox on the national selection panel in an appointment which will be confirmed in the coming days.

Schmidt led Ireland to the top of World Rugby's rankings in 2018, twice coaching them to wins over the All Blacks, before handing over to Andy Farrell following their 2019 World Cup exit.

After leaving Ireland Schmidt was employed by World Rugby as a director of rugby and high performance and was seen as playing an influential role in recent eligibility rule changes, but this appointment would represent a return to international rugby for a man hugely respected in both hemispheres.

It is unclear at this stage what Schmidt’s new role will mean for his position at the Blues who last month announced his return to Auckland in a “part-time role as a support coach” assisting Leon MacDonald.

Having held Ireland's head coach position for six years and earned a reputation for setting high standards and having outstanding attention to detail, Schmidt would bring plenty of knowledge and experience to the All Black camp.

Former fly half Fox, who has enjoyed a long spell as All Blacks selector, had previously suggested he would stand down after the 2019 Rugby World Cup before being persuaded to stay on by All Blacks head coach Ian Foster.

Ironically, the All Blacks’ next opponents will be Ireland who they entertain in a three-test series in July 2022.

The third member of New Zealand's selection panel, John Plumtree, who also acts as an assistant to Foster previously worked alongside Schmidt with Ireland between 2013 and 2014 before spending two years working as an assistant to Eddie Jones with Japan.

Current New Zealand scrum guru Greg Feek also spent ttime working with Schmidt during his spell in charge of Ireland.

New Zealand Rugby is currently conducting a review of the All Blacks’ year, but the findings won’t be known until late January or early February.