The former Blues assistant coach Joe Schmidt has been named the new Ireland rugby coach.
Schmidt has guided the Irish club Leinster to two Heineken Cup titles.
The New Zealander takes over from Declan Kidney, whose five-year tenure that began with a first Six Nations grand slam in 61 years ended this month with their worst result in 14 years, just missing the wooden spoon.
Schmidt will take over in July on a three-year contract.
Schmidt says he's motivated by challenge and this is a super challenge.
Kidney's assistant Les Kiss will take charge of the team, as planned, for their June tour of North America to allow Schmidt to finish the season with Leinster and select his backroom team.
Schmidt's first game in charge will be at home to Samoa in November before welcoming Australia and his native New Zealand to Dublin later that month.
