So after weeks of speculation Joe Schmidt has finally revealed his plans to step down as Ireland head coach after next year's Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Having held the reigns for the past five years, a very successful five years to boot, this will mean a huge transition for Irish rugby. But maybe he will have a few surprises for us before he leaves?

Speaking on Today Fm's Dermot and Dave, former Irish International Shane Byrne tells us why he thinks Joe is "holding something back". 

Byrne feels Schmidt doesn't want to show his hand too soon as there's a lot of ball to be played between now and next September. 

"He has to be the hottest property in coaching at the moment", is a very apt statement, but makes Shane wonder why the Kiwis haven't approached him?, "I just can't believe that New Zealand would let it sit that he just goes back to put the aul feet up on the porch in New Zealand?".

When it comes to Joe's replacement, Ireland's current defence coach Andy Farrell, Byrne has no doubt about his calibre, "he's the right man...it's a good move". Continuing to say, "he's part of what's making Ireland fantastic at the moment". 

As for the RWC itself, he has no doubt about our potential, "I guarantee ya if we make it to a semi-final of the World Cup, we'll go all the way because nobody will want to play the Irish".

And we're behind you 100% on that one buddy.

Check out the chat in full by pressing the play button in the image at the top of the page.