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Schmidt rules out Lions role
Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has ruled himself out of joining the British and Irish Lions coaching staff for next summer's tour of New Zealand.
Lions coach Warren Gatland had hinted that he would be interested in having Schmidt as part of his backroom staff for the three-Test tour, but the New Zealander has stated his intention of leading Ireland on the tour to the USA and Japan.
"A big art of the motivation for me not being involved in the Lions was going to the USA and Japan and worth with this next cadre of players," Schmidt explained.
"Because the best of our players will go on the Lions - and the more the better, and hopefully a few more will put their hands up.
"But the ones that don't go will become a really interesting group for us. I want to make sure I get to know those guys, and getting away on tour is one of the best ways to do it."
Ireland assistant coach Andy Farrell is tipped to be included as Gatland's defence coach for the tour to New Zealand and Schmidt would be happy to let him take up the role.
"I would be delighted if Andy went. Firstly, because he is a tremendous coach and he does a fantastic job. ANd it also means that Andy will keep a bit of an eye on our guys," he said.
"So we will have both bases covered there. That would be quite nice but those will be the decisions that are not mine to make."
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