Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has extended his contract with the IRFU until 2017.

The New Zealander, who took over in 2013, led the side to successive Six Nations titles in 2014 and 2015, while they have risen from eighth to third in the world rankings under his tutelage.

"I appreciate the support I have had from the IRFU and look forward to the next two challenging years with the national team," he said in a statement.

"It has been great to be involved in such a player-driven environment, along with such a skilled and positive staff to support them in their quest to be as competitive as possible."

Schmidt will lead the team at this year's World Cup, where Ireland find themselves in Pool D, alongside France, Italy, Canada and Romania.