Heieneken Cup champions Leinster formally announced Monday that Josef Schmidt will take over as the Irish province's new head coach from the start of the 2010/11 season.
The New Zealander is currently backs coach at Top14 club Clermont Auvergne where, working under compatriot Vern Cotter, he has helped the team to three straight French Championship finals.
Schmidt replaces Michael Cheika at Leinster after the Australian had previously announced he would not be renewing his contract with the Dublin-based side after five years with the club.
Schmidt has also coached the Blues in the Super 14 and Bay of Plenty to win the Ranfurly Shield.
Speaking after news of his Leinster appointment emerged earlier Monday in France, Schmidt, said: "It's an enormous opportunity.
"It's a new challenge for me and I hope that I can bring something to the team."
