Rugby World Cup 2015: Schmidt says he will remain Ireland coach

Joe Schmidt's under-strength side collapsed to a 43-20 World Cup quarter-final defeat by Argentina

Joe Schmidt says he is "absolutely committed" to remaining Ireland coach despite reports suggesting that he could be the next England boss.

Schmidt's under-strength Ireland were beaten 43-20 by Argentina in last weekend's World Cup quarter-final.

"We are going forward as best we can and I'm certainly not going anywhere," the New Zealander told RTE television's Late Late Show.

"I'm absolutely committed to the group of young men that I work with."

Schmidt added: "I can't wait to get started post-Christmas, looking towards the Six Nations."

Ireland absentees 'made a difference'

The Ireland coach said that the injuries to influential players Paul O'Connell, Johnny Sexton, Peter O'Mahony and Jared Payne, allied to Sean O'Brien's suspension, had been a factor in the Pumas contest.

Schmidt also pointed to the missed penalty chance by Ian Madigan after Ireland had fought back from 17-0 down to trail only 23-20.

"We lost to a really good, physical Argentinean side probably without a few guys that we think could have made a difference for us, particularly just to keep the calm and keep the confidence of the players up.

"Probably the most disappointing thing for me was the start we made, and then to get within 23-20 and have a kick at goal to make it 23-all was an unbelievable effort from such an inexperienced group.

"Then I think we over-chased it and unfortunately it got away from us.

Matias Moroni scored Argentina's first try after only three minutes in Sunday's game

"I was talking to (Juan Martin) Fernandez Lobbe after the game and he said that at 23-20 if the kick goes over, the doubt is growing."

Schmidt said that O'Connell's injury had been particularly damaging to Ireland's chances of reaching the country's first ever World Cup semi-final.

"He's a voice of calm but he is not even a voice that is used often. He is a presence. It's a calming presence. It's a physical presence. It's an ability to lead men without saying much."

The Ireland coach added that fly-half Sexton's late withdrawal from the team had also been disruptive.

"One of the regrets I probably have now is Johnny's fitness was declared early in the week on the Wednesday. He trained on the Friday.

"For Ian Madigan to come in, he really had a small window of about 25 minutes to really prepare himself for the Test. It is not a great window to prepare."