REPORT: Former Ireland boss set to join All Blacks

NEWS: Former Ireland boss Joe Schmidt is set to join the All Blacks as a selector.

According to stuff.co.nz, the 56-year-old will replace Grant Fox on the national selection panel.

It is believed Schmidt's appointment will be announced in the coming days.

It is unclear what Schmidt's new role will mean for his position with the Blues. It was only last month when it was announced that Schmidt will join the Super Rugby franchise as a part-time assistant to Leon MacDonald.

The New Zealander coached Ireland to three Six Nations championships, including a Grand Slam in 2018.

He stepped down as Ireland's head coach after the 2019 World Cup with Andy Farrell taking over,

He was appointed World Rugby’s director of rugby and high-performance last year, but announced his departure in September, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family at home in New Zealand.

The report linking Schmidt to the All Blacks comes amid growing pressure on All Blacks head coach Ian Foster.

The All Blacks have received a lot of criticism for their performances over the last few months, which included defeats to the Springboks, Ireland and France.

Their next opponents will be Schmidt’s former team Ireland in a three-Test series in July 2022.

Source: stuff.co.nz