Leinster line up schmidt

Also in Magners League

By Hugh Farrelly

Monday November 30 2009

LEINSTER are believed to be close to completing a deal with Clermont Auvergne's New Zealand backs coach Josef Schmidt to replace head coach Michael Cheika, who is leaving the province at the end of the season.

While the branch refused to comment on yesterday's reports linking the Heineken Cup champions with Schmidt, it is understood that negotiations are at an advanced stage and due to be completed shortly.

Schmidt is in his third season with Clermont having previously worked with Clermont head coach Vern Cotter at Bay of Plenty and if he joins Leinster it would be the 44-year-old's first senior head coach position.

Last month, the province were strongly linked with Waikato's Ian Foster, but it is understood that the NZRU went to considerable lengths to persuade the highly-rated coach to stay in New Zealand.

- Hugh Farrelly

Irish Independent

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