The New Zealand Rugby Federation said on Monday that former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt had been called up by Ian Foster, the coach of the All-Black Classes who were affected by the Kovid-19. Schmidt, who coached Clover XV between 2013 and 2019, strengthens the New Zealand staff after three members of the coaching staff, coach Ian Foster and his assistants Scott McLeod and John Plumtree, tested positive. Two players, center or fullback David Howley and center jack Jack Goodwill also tested positive.

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Anti-Kovid laws require those who test positive for isolation for seven days from the date of diagnosis. He is scheduled to leave the field on Saturday for the first Test against Ireland. “Joe will be coming for training on Tuesdays and Thursdays this week and we are grateful for his help.“Foster said in a statement from New Zealand rugby.”We had planned for such interruptions and we had backup plans and people: Joe was one of the people we could count on.All Blacks Bose added.

Schmidt, 56, a former Clermont back coach, has led Ireland for six years, winning three Grand Slam titles at the Six Nations Tournament three times (2014, 2015, 2018).