The out-going Leinster coach says he will take some time to consider the make-up of his backroom team and says he will mull over his choices over the next four to six weeks before finalising his decision.

In the meantime, current assistant coach Les Kiss will take charge of this summer's tour of North America as planned.

Schmidt said that he is looking forward to the chance to test himself at the very highest level.

"It's a bit like when I came to Leinster - I didn't ever really want to be a head coach," he said.

"But I've really enjoyed the experience. I think at the same time I'm really motivated by challenge.

"I think this is a super challenge, albeit an intimidating one, and I guess if you're going to really find out what you think you can bring to a group, what better way than to try to take on one of the big jobs in world rugby."

"I've had a good look at a lot of Ireland's players and when we get our collective together, we'll try to improve performance and make us as competitive as possible."

The tenure of Declan Kidney, who mastermind of the 2009 Grand Slam triumph, ended on April 2 after presiding over a dismal fifth-place finish in the RBS 6 Nations - Ireland's worst championship performance since 1999.

Kiss and Ewen McKenzie were considered for the post - Jake White, Conor O'Shea and Mark McCall had ruled themselves out - but Schmidt was viewed as the outstanding candidate following his success at Leinster.

It is his provincial duties that will prevent him from making an immediate start as Leinster are through to the final of the Amlin Challenge Cup and remain in RaboDirect PRO12 title contention.

One of the most pressing concerns will be to finalise his backroom staff. Kiss could be retained, but forwards coach Gert Smal and defensive mastermind Anthony Foley are unlikely to be remain.

"The job was only confirmed today and now I need to look ahead and start planning, but that's difficult because I've currently got my hands full," he said.

"Hopefully over the next four to six weeks I'll get some time to start getting my head around the new role."

Instrumental in Schmidt's decision to swap provincial for Test rugby was the scope it would provide to help his wife look after their nine-year-old son, Luke, who has epilepsy.

While admitting the change from day-to-day rugby management to clearly defined periods of the calendar will be difficult, he insists it will have its benefits.

"The windows are suffocating, but there is also more scope to get back and forth to New Zealand," he said.

"I have a daughter who is studying there so it would be nice to get backwards and forwards to see family.

"My family were part of the decision, they're very settled here.

"I've spoken out lately about our smaller son and he's looked after superbly at his school. That was a big part of our decision making."