Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt said he would have to consult his mother after the tour to South Africa to discuss his future, with his contract due to run out in the summer of 2017, while Ireland's new back coach Andy Farrell said he felt "very privileged" to be in the role and that tour to South Africa was "a chance to create history".

SOUNDBITE: (English) Joe Schmidt, Ireland head coach (Q: What are the biggest challenges playing in South Africa?)

"I think having coached Super Rugby in South Africa, I think the travel, I think the fact that you tend to be quiet isolated. We enjoy the opportunity here that we're in Carton (House), we do a couple of days, they have a day out, they do a couple of days. I think it can be quite intense. And then of course there is the actual South Africans to factor in. I think they've got a fantastic squad that they've selected. I think they've a massive mix in strength, both in experience and new blood."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Joe Schmidt, Ireland head coach (Q: Are you thinking about your future in Irish rugby?)

"I just think you don't get many chances to go to a place like South Africa. We've never won there, we're incredible motivated to be as competitive as we can be. It's an incredible opportunity to invest in some of the players that haven't had a lot of opportunity with us before, even through seeing how they travel, how they train, how they can turn up, in what will be a very physical and I would say very loud stadia. They're going to have to demonstrate they can cope with the pressure of that."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Andy Farrell (On his new job as Ireland defence coach)

"This week we were in camp up until Thursday and then off to South Africa. I feel there couldn't be a better time to join. What challenges that are ahead, the chances to create history. We go to South Africa as Joe (Schmidt) said, you've got a chance to create history and that's exciting to see who wants to be a part of that within our squad. And also there's the little task of the Chicago trip, New Zealand, playing them twice and Australia. So it's a fantastic time to be involved in Irish rugby and as I said I feel privileged to be here."