Joe Schmidt appointed Ireland head coach

New Zealander Joe Schmidt has been appointed head coach of Ireland.

The news was confirmed on the official Irish Rugby Football Union website, with a press conference due to take place this afternoon at 4pm.

Schmidt had been installed as the favourite to replace Declan Kidney, whose five-year stay came to an end following a poor display in the Six Nations.

It is understood that the former Leinster coach has signed a three-year deal with the Irish RFU, which will keep him with the nation until at least 2016.