JOE Schmidt has committed his future as Ireland head coach until the end of the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) made the announcement on Monday, 12 days before Ireland's autumn series opener against New Zealand in Chicago.

New Zealander Schmidt took charge of Ireland in November 2013, since when he has masterminded back-to-back Six Nations titles, plus away victories over South Africa and Argentina.