Andy Farrell will succeed Joe Schmidt as Ireland head coach after next year’s World Cup, the Irish Rugby Football Union has announced.

Schmidt will leave Irish rugby after the tournament in Japan having taken charge in 2013. “I have decided to finish coaching and will prioritise family commitments after the RWC in 2019,” the 53-year-old said in a statement. “I feel that Irish rugby is in good hands. The management and players have been incredible to work with and the tremendous support we have had, particularly at home in the Aviva, but where ever we have travelled has been uplifting.

“Thank you to the IRFU for their support and patience and thanks also to so many people who have adopted my family and me, making us feel part of the community here in Ireland.

“There are some inspiring challenges over the next 11 months so there’s plenty of motivation for me to continue working hard, alongside the other management staff, so that the team can be as competitive as possible.”

Farrell is currently the Ireland defence coach and the appointment will be his first in a head coach role. “It is a privilege to be considered for such a prestigious role,” he said. “I have learned a lot from Joe over the past few seasons and I will continue to learn from him over the next year as the coaching group and players focus on competing in two huge tournaments in 2019.”

Schmidt was named as coach of the year, with Johnny Sexton awarded the player of the year, at Sunday night’s World Rugby Awards in Monaco, after a year in which Ireland won a grand slam in the Six Nations and beat the All Blacks for the second time in their history.

David Nucifora, the IRFU performance director, added: “Joe’s contribution to Irish rugby is broader than just the success achieved with the national team. He has had a hugely positive influence on the entire professional system with both his rugby intellect and his eagerness to invest in and develop both players and coaches throughout the country.

“We are all clearly aware and thankful of the better place that Joe will be leaving Irish Rugby in post the Rugby World Cup.”