Joe Schmidt is back after departing Ireland following their disappointing 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign.
The New Zealander has been drafted in by Clermont head coach Franck Azéma.
Acording to the New Zealand Herald, he is in the middle of a two-week stint with the club where he was previously an assistant to fellow Kiwi Vern Cotter, helping them win a French Top 14 title in 2010.
Joe Schmidt returns to coaching as criticism continues of Ireland's failed Rugby World Cup https://t.co/wODe1Z7tZC pic.twitter.com/fh6KRtQjxE
— Rugby Heaven (@NZRugbyHeaven) February 19, 2020
He has also helped the Spanish team on a recent consultancy stint
Since stepping down from his role as Ireland head coach following the 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-final exit, Schmidt has been recharging his batteries.
But he has been linked with a coaching return and has reportedly received a number of offers to return to the game.
EDITORS PICKS:
- 6 times Ellis Genge proved he was a legend
- 8 Rugby players who have dated celebrities
- 20 times Nigel Owens didn’t give a f**k
- Six Nations heaviest players: Top 10 ranked
- Foreign-Born Players at 2020 Six Nations
- Inspiring Female Rugby Players on Instagram
Premiership side Bath have denied approaching the New Zealander despite plenty of reports linking him with the black, blue and whites.
Named as one of the favourites to replace Steve Hansen as All Blacks head coach but taking himself out of the equation as he sought a breather, Schmidt is now on the road back as his own pace.