Joe Schmidt will step down as Wallabies coach at the end of The Rugby Championship, leaving Rugby Australia chasing a new coach to lead into the 2027 World Cup.
Les Kiss is expected to be frontrunner for the role, with Schmidt deciding not to extend his time with Australia beyond this year’s TRC competition.
The 59-year-old has been wavering over his future with his son’s health issues believed to be a major factor in his decision.
Schmidt’s wife and son live in New Zealand and his son has epilepsy and requires constant medical care.
Kiss will have competition from Dan McKellar and Stephen Larkham for the job, while Michael Cheika will be back in Australia later this year. Overseas options will be explored and Rugby Australia has indicated a decision will be announced before the end of Schmidt’s tenure with the new coach taking over for the Spring Tests.
Australia head coach Joe Schmidt before the Autumn Nations Series match between Ireland and Australia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. (Photo By David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Schmidt was initially contracted to the end of the Lions tour, so RA spun Thursday’s news as a contract extension to take in the TRC. It’s no secret that RA wanted Schmidt to carry on into next year and preferably through to the World Cup on home soil.
“We are delighted Joe will continue to coach the Wallabies beyond his current contract,” said High Performance director Peter Horne in a statement.
“After noting the positive impact Joe has made with the Wallabies playing and coaching staff, we were keen that he 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.”
Schmidt said in the statement: “I am very much enjoying my time with Australian Rugby. 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.”
Rugby Australia CEO praised the work Schmidt has done in the wake of the Eddie Jones debacle at the 2023 World Cup.
“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,” said Waugh.
“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.”
