‘‘T

his would not have happened without Joe.’’

Those were the words of one influential Pasifika rugby figure yesterday after World Rugby’s vote to change its eligibility rules in a big boost for the Pacific Islands nations.

The sentiment was later backed up by another well-placed Pasifika source as it became clear that Pasifika rugby had found a very under-the-radar and effective champion: Joe Schmidt.

It was Schmidt who made the final presentation in favour of a Yes vote to the World Rugby council meeting in Dublin