Joe Schmidt will begin his new role in March 2024. Image credit: Stephen McCarthy, Wikimedia Commons
Joe Schmidt has been signed as the new head coach of the Wallabies, following the resignation of coach Eddie Jones.
Schmidt signed a deal to coach the Australian national rugby union team for the next two seasons.
He recently worked as the assistant coach for the All Blacks.
However, he is most well-known for his position as head coach in Dublin, leading Ireland to be ranked No.1 in the world for the first time in 2019.
The Kiwi says he is keen to get started with his new role that will commence in March.
“I am conscious that the Wallabies have weathered a difficult period, and I am keen to help them build a way forward, with greater alignment and clear direction from RA (Rugby Australia),” he said in a statement.
“The upcoming Test matches against Wales will arrive quickly, post-Super Rugby, and the program through to the British and Irish Lions Tour next year presents plenty of opportunities and challenges — which I am sure will invigorate players and staff.
“I am looking forward to connecting with Super Rugby coaches, RA staff, and getting to observe and meet players in the coming months.”
Schmidt will report to Rugby Australia’s newly appointed director of high-performance, Peter Horne.
Horne led the recruitment process and said it was a unanimous decision between a panel of experts and management.
“It has been a thorough process to make sure that we have landed the best and most suitable candidate,” he said.
He is confident that Schmidt will deliver success for the team.
Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh agreed that Schmidt will “prove valuable” for the future.
“He has a global view of the game from his experience in both the northern and southern hemispheres, and his appointment puts us in a strong position as we build towards the 2025 British and Irish Lions Tour.”
