No thanks.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt turned down an approach from the All Blacks to replace Wayne Smith back in 2017 it has been revealed.

New Zealand Rugby boss Steve Tew has told the New Zealand Herald that Schmidt was offered the chance to replace the All Blacks assistant last year, but instead chose to sign a new two-year deal and remain with Ireland.

The move would likely have seen Schmidt step up and replace current All Blacks boss Steve Hansen following the 2019 Rugby World Cup, having spent some time in the set-up.

Schmidt recently announced he will leave his role with Ireland following next year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan, with Andy Farrell set to replace him. But a job within the All Blacks set-up is off the cards, with the New Zealander set to step away from coaching altogether.