Schmidt signs Leinster extension

Joe Schmidt has signed a one-year extension that will see him remain with Leinster until the end of the 2013-14 season.

Schmidt is in the final season of the three-year deal he signed when he succeeded Michael Cheika as head coach ahead of the 2010-11 season and officials at the club were keen to secure his services for at least another year.

It was reported in September that he was close to signing an extension and after the successful conclusion of negotiations, the New Zealander has committed to spending another year in Ireland.

“I am delighted to sign an extension to my contract here with Leinster. I’m lucky to be part of such a positive coaching team and to have the top quality support staff we have. The professionalism of the players is a real asset and they constantly challenge themselves and each other to improve, which makes them a great group to coach,” Schmidt said.

“The wider Leinster community have really made my family and I feel welcome here and we have been fortunate to have enjoyed some memorable success on the field. Let’s hope that with continued hard work – and a bit of luck – that there will be more bright days ahead.”

Schmidt has enjoyed tremendous success since joining the province, guiding the Blues to back-to-back Heineken Cup titles in his first two years in charge.

“I am delighted that Joe will remain with Leinster for the next two seasons. Since arriving from France he has overseen and led a period of great growth and success for Leinster, both on and off the field,” Leinster chief executive Michael Dawson added.

“Joe is an outstanding leader and ambassador for the province and he continues to cultivate strong values within our organisation. I know that this news will be welcomed by our loyal following across the province and beyond.”