The Wallabies are looking for a replacement to Joe Schmidt before the Spring tour to the northern hemisphere. Photo: Rugby Australia
Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt says he will leave the role but will delay his departure to the end of this year’s Rugby Championship.
The 59-year-old says he will coach through the Lions series, which comes before the championship, and through to Australia’s final Bledisloe Cup fixture, in Perth, on October 4.
“I am very much enjoying my time with Australian rugby,” Schmidt said in a statement carried on www.rugby.com.au.
“The … 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.”
Since he signed in 2024 on a short-term deal, Schmidt oversaw major improvements in the team.
Late last year, he promised a decision by the end of 2024 but the decision was delayed as Rugby Australia sought to keep him onboard.
His desire to be with wife Kellie and children Ella, Tim, Abby and Luke (epilepsy) in New Zealand swayed him.
RA high performance director Peter Horne says the process to recruit the next Wallabies coach is under way.
“We are delighted Joe will continue to coach the Wallabies beyond his current contract,” Horne says of the Kiwi and former Irish coach.
“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,” Horne said.
“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,” Horne says.
“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 Lions in June,” RA CEO Phil Waugh added.
“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.”
Potential successors suggested by the media include Qld Reds coach Les Kiss, Stephen Larkham (Brumbies), former Wallaby and Argentinian coach Michael Cheika and NSW coach Dan McKellar.
