IRFU chief executive Philip Browne has confirmed that ‘discussions’ have started with coach Joe Schmidt about a new contract.
"We're in discussions with Joe," IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said on Wednesday.
Schmidt’s current deal with the IRFU expires following the 2016 Six Nations, and Irish rugby chiefs are keen to keep the innovative New Zealander.
"He's just off the back of the Six Nations and he's been away and I'm sure those discussions will come to some sort of conclusion over the next couple of months,” Browne stated.
"It will be what it will be, I'd like to have more to say about it and when we do we'll say it."
