Wallabies boss Joe Schmidthas dealt Australian rugby fans a huge blow and is sensationally set to walk away from his role as the national side’s head coach in October.
There were hopes that the 59-year-old former Ireland boss would stay on for the 2027 World Cup – which will be hosted in Australia – having galvanised the Aussies after he took over following the team’s dismal 2023 Rugby World Cup performance under former boss Eddie Jones.
The New Zealanders’ exit means Australia is now remarkably looking for their fifth head coach in the last six years.
Schmidt, who has previously coached, Claremont, the Blues and Ireland, had signed a deal to oversee proceedings at the national side until after the 2025 Lions Tour.
But Rugby Australia announced today that Schmidt, who had also worked as a selector for the All Blacks between 2022 and 2023, had agreed to extend his contract until the end of the Rugby Championship.
His last match will be Australia’s Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand on October 4.
Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt is set to stand down from his role as Australia’s head coach
Schmidt (right) will stay on as head coach during this summer’s Lions tour and will leave in October
Rugby Australia announced today that he had extended his contract until after the Rugby Championship
‘I am very much enjoying my time with Australian Rugby,’ Schmidt said, in reaction to the news.
‘The British and Irish Lions is our immediate focus but, with the Rugby Championship following so closely after the Lions Series, I understand the need for continuity heading into two away Test matches against South Africa.’
During his time with the Wallabies, Schmidt oversaw 13 matches and won six of them, notably beating England at Twickenham in dramatic circumstances in November, before suffering a three-point defeat by his old side Ireland – the Wallabies most recent match.
Speculation had been revolving around his future as Australia’s head coach for some time, with the Wallabies announcing on Thursday that they have begun their search for a new coach.
Powerbrokers at Rugby Australia stated that the 59-year-old had expressed a desire to spend more time at home with his family.
Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh thanked Schmidt for his efforts with the national side and for extending his tenure.
‘Joe’s drive, knowledge and work ethic have been instrumental in restoring pride in the Wallabies jersey and energising supporters around the country ahead of an extraordinary runway of major events that starts with the arrival of the British & Irish Lions in June,’ Waugh said in a statement.
‘We are pleased that Joe has extended his involvement with the Wallabies beyond his initial contract and look forward to beginning the process of recruiting his successor.’
Schmidt has galvanised Australia over the past year after their torrid 2023 Rugby World Cup
Several other coaches are in the running to take over from Schmidt, including Queensland boss Les Kiss
Director of high performance, Peter Horne, will now lead Australia’s recruitment drive for a new coach, whose first task will be to prepare Australia to take on Jones’ Japan away from home.
‘We are delighted Joe will continue to coach the Wallabies beyond his current contract,’ Horne said. ‘After noting the positive impact Joe has made with the Wallabies playing and coaching staff, we were keen that he will stay on after the Lions series.
‘Joe expressed to us that he was enjoying his work with the Wallabies while also making clear his need to spend more time at home with his family.’
Queensland boss Les Kiss has long been touted as the favourite to take over from Schmidt.
The Australian has a background in rugby league, having made over 100 appearances for the North Sydney Bears and won caps with both the Kangaroos and Maroons at representative level.
After hanging up his boots, he’d move to the UK to coach the London Broncos in the Super League before swapping codes to work under Schmidt as an assistant coach with Ireland.
That places him in a great spot to transition into Schmidt’s role, though he is yet to win a trophy during his time in management.
He would also be forced to leave his contract with the Reds three years early, having only joined in 2024.
Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham is also another favourite to succeed Schmidt
Michael Cheika is also now in the frame having just announced he will be leaving Leicester after this season
Stephen Larkham is the next favourite to take over Schmidt’s role having helped Australia clinch the 1999 Rugby World Cup.
Since his playing days Larkham has helped the Brumbies grow from strength to strength and notably also enjoyed a three-year spell with Munster.
Michael Cheika is also now in the frame and has rather coincidentally come available at the right time after Leicester confirmed the Australian dual-code coach will not continue in his role as head coach beyond this season.
Australia’s next match will come on July 6, a friendly against Fiji at teh McDonald Jones Stadium, before they play the Lions in the first summer Test, on July 19.