Wallabies players say they’ve yet to be told if Joe Schmidt intends carrying on after the Lions series – with veteran halfback Nic White adding it would ‘be rude of us’ to put pressure on the Kiwi coach to announce his decision.
The Wallabies went back into camp this week and White and No.10 Noah Lolesio were the first two players put up for media duties as the preparations to host the Lions began with a series of fitness tests in Sydney.
EXCLUSIVE: LANGI GLEESON SNUBBED FOR CAMP AFTER SIGNING OVERSEAS
During the Spring tour Schmidt said he wanted his future beyond the Lions decided by the end of December, but so far there has been no announcement made. It appears Rugby Australia is unsure if Schmidt will carry on to lead the team for 2026 and the 2027 World Cup, with speculation filling the information vacuum.
“Mate, to be honest, this is not a cliche, we’re just taking it day by day at the moment,” White said when asked if Schmidt had incidated his plans to the players.
“What he’s done is a phenomenal job. I really appreciate him and the other coaches and what they’ve done over a short period of time, but everything’s about the Lions from here on.
(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
“We haven’t spoken about anything but that, and what we need to do to get that right. I’m just very appreciative of him coming in and helping us out. If it works out that we get him a little bit longer, unreal, but if not, how good has it been? That’s something we don’t talk about, no.”
Pressed again on what it would mean for the players should Schmidt stay, White said: “Again, that’s crystal balling there. That’s for the heads that be, but to be honest, it’s just been really good having him for the last six months and having him for the next six.”
It’s not just Schmidt’s future that is up in the air beyond this series whether he stays or moves on.
Assistants Laurie Fisher, Mike Cron, Geoff Parling and Eoin Toolan are all Schmidt hires.
“We’re very lucky with the coaches we’ve got at the moment. [Hopefully] they stick around, but we also understand that Joe’s given a lot to the game of rugby. He’s got a family as well,” said White.
“So does Laurie and Mike Cron. If they decide that’s time, we’re really appreciative of what they’ve done. If they stick around, how good.
“It’d be rude of us to put that sort of pressure on him.
“I can speak for the group. I’m just so appreciative of what he and the coaches are doing for us at the moment. Helping us get to where we want to go.
“There’s still some hard work to do that. I don’t know if we’ve gotten it all back, but we’re heading in the right direction. We’ve come a way, we’ve still had some results we’re not stoked with, certainly in that Spring tour. We’re working towards the team we want to be, but we’re not there yet.”
Lolesio said Schmidt has been “awesome for my development.”
“Before every single game, he always comes up to me and just says to back myself. Hearing that just before I go on the field, it’s pretty cool,” said Lolesio.
“He’s very detailed in his approach. He’s very ball orientated. He’s pushing not just myself, but the whole squad as well to be better. So, no, he’s been great.”
(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
As for Schmidt’s future, Lolesio echoed White’s sentiments.
“Joe’s life away from footy is his responsibility. So, whatever Joe decides to do, it’s completely up to him,” said Lolesio.
“Obviously, the boys would love him to stay, but if he needs to go away, then we’ll respect that.”
