All Blacks chase Joe Schmidt in big Wallabies twist; Joey Manu’s new contract, broadcast future update
The Joe Schmidt saga is set for another swerve, plus the contract call that has dashed any chance of Joey Manu making a swift return to the Roosters. That, and more, in RUGBY CONFIDENTIAL.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
There is a major plot twist in the Wallabies’ coaching job, with some in New Zealand keen to bring Joe Schmidt back to the All Blacks in a consultancy role if the team’s performances decline this year.
Our sources in New Zealand say influential figures there are keenly observing the Wallabies coaching job process, and whether Schmidt’s successor wants to keep him on as an adviser.
Schmidt would like to carry on as a consultant for the Wallabies through to the 2027 World Cup, but wants that decision left entirely up to the new head coach.
If for some reason that doesn’t transpire, and the All Blacks fail to fire under Scott Robertson, there are enough Schmidt fans across the ditch who’d like him to resume a similar advisory role that he had with Ian Foster that helped the team reach the 2023 World Cup final, and give guidance to Robertson.
Rugby Australia is working through a short list of candidates, with Queensland’s Les Kiss the leading contender, and it’s obvious they want the new coach to be able to build on the impressive improvements Schmidt has made since taking over a team ravaged by Eddie Jones’ failed World Cup campaign.
While RA boss Phil Waugh met former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika this week at a North Sydney restaurant, sparking speculation he’ll be reappointed, Rugby Confidential understands he is not in contention and is looming large for the Wales head coaching role after Warren Gatland stepped down.
While Kiss said earlier this week all of the Australian Super Rugby coaches had been contacted by RA for the Wallabies job, Waratahs coach Dan McKellar surprisingly revealed he’d not heard from them and doesn’t expect the job.
“That’s news to me, I haven’t spoken to Kissy in a couple of months but no, honestly I’m just cracking on and worrying about the Waratahs,” said McKellar, who has a three-year contract with NSW, who are run by RA.
“I’m not expecting to be offered the Wallabies job. I’m at the Waratahs.
“I’d like to think that the players can see the commitment that I’ve got to the group and the organisation from one day to the next. That shows that there won’t be a distraction and where my loyalties and where my energy and efforts are going to be put over the next period of time. That’s the reality.”
But while McKellar may not have been formally interviewed for the role, he is certainly part of the conversations within the halls of RA.
Blues coach Vern Cotter is another in the mix. And while Ronan O’Gara has expressed interest in the role, it’s understood he in an outsider in the race.
Jamie Joseph, who narrowly missed out on the All Blacks coaching job to Robertson last year, is one man who definitely has no interest in the Wallabies job.
“No mate, I’m a Highlander,” Joseph said when asked if he’d throw his hat in the ring.
MANU SIGNS FRENCH DEAL
Roosters NRL fans hoping Joey Manu will head back to Bondi following his stint in Japanese rugby will be disappointed to learn he’s set to sign a one-year deal with French Top 14 club Racing Metro.
Manu is playing his trade with Toyota Verblitz this year and is said to be loving his rugby experience and life abroad.
Racing Metro, who have overseas stars Owen Farrell and Josua Tuisova in their backline, managed to free some cash when Springboks captain Siya Kolisi made the decision to return to South Africa a year early.
While many believed Manu would chase an All Blacks jersey when he made the decision to switch to union, the reality is that is now a distant prospect, and he is more focused on with global experiences the game has to offer.
The only caveat is how long his partner wants to remain abroad.
Should that become a concern, expect the Roosters to jump on a deal that could potentially bring him back midway through next year.
Manu will be one of a host of stars RA is looking to invite to join their Invitational Australian and New Zealand team to play the British & Irish Lions in July.
We hear RA will cast the net wide in search of talent, particularly looking at former Wallabies and All Blacks plying their trade for Japan either for the Invitational team, or the combined Indigenous-Pasifika team to play the Lions in Melbourne.
While Manu is not an All Black, he is a marketing machine who would add significant hype to either game.
Others in the mix would include Michael Hooper, Quade Cooper, Richie Mo’unga and Aaron Smith.
BROADCAST DEAL IMMINENT
The delay in announcing Rugby Australia’s new broadcast deal with Nine and Stan Sport doesn’t mean the network is getting cold feet.
We understand nearly all terms and conditions are agreed for a five-year extension, but there are just some minor issues to resolve before it is made public.
Expect the announcement to come in a fortnight.
But while RA will make a slight profit on the current $30 million a year deal, they’ll be dramatically affected by the staggering projected $NZ60 million loss NZ Rugby will make due to a decreased broadcast agreement, loss of major sponsor Ineos, and their arrangement with private equity firm Silver Lake that allows them to take $20 million out of the game each year.
There is now major pressure on NZR powerbrokers.
FITTLER NEARS TAHS DEBUT
Zach Fittler is another step closer to becoming a Waratahs Super Rugby player.
The son of NRL legend Brad Fittler has been named on the bench for the Waratahs A team to play the Brumby Runners in Canberra this Saturday.
The 18-year-old, who spurned league advances to sign a two-year deal with the Tahs late last year, is a strong running centre who has impressed for Australia under-18s and NSW under-20s.
With depth in the NSW midfield, Fittler is being groomed for a Super Rugby debut next year. But an injury crisis during the season could see him elevated.
Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou urged Dan McKellar to allow him to play in the match, having made an impressive 56-minute debut for NSW last week – the first time he’s played that amount of time in two years.
McKellar refused the request, but needless to say he has been impressed by the big prop’s dedication in training.
JONES RETURNS?
Eddie Jones is heading back to Australia next month.
But before anyone gets the pitchforks out in case Rugby Australia is thinking of re-signing him, they can rest assured.
Fast Eddie isn’t coming back to coach the Wallabies. He’s staying put in the Land of the Rising Sun, but bringing an Under 23s Japan team to Australia for a development tour.
Jones may be on the nose with Wallabies fans after overseeing the disastrous 2023 Rugby World Cup fiasco then scuttling off to Japan, but the welcome mat remains in place at his Sydney club Randwick.
The Galloping Greens have agreed to host Jones by playing a game at Coogee Oval on April 15.
“I’m thrilled to return to Australia with our very talented Under 23 squad and even more delighted for them to come to my old stomping ground at Coogee Oval, to test themselves against my beloved Wicks,” Jones said.
QUEENSLAND’S ACE
Remember the name. But first, learn how to say it properly.
Kingsley Uys is a 17-year-old powerhouse prop with the world at his feet.
Weighing in at 120kg, he’s already rated as one of the best young forwards in Australia.
He’s already signed a three-year contract with the Queensland Reds and Rugby Australia, alongside another boom teenager, lock Will Ross, after they teamed up to help the Australian U18s beat New Zealand Schools last year.
The only hitch for Uys so far is that everyone keeps mispronouncing his surname. He’s been called “Oose” “Oise” and “Ice” but the correct enunciation is “ace”
To help everyone get his name right, Uys has posted a picture of himself on his social media account holding up four cards from a playing deck that no one can mistake.
Originally published as All Blacks chase Joe Schmidt in big Wallabies twist; Joey Manu’s new contract, broadcast future update
‘Not a serious footy club’: Lyon’s big call on selling home games
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has spoken passionately about his club’s bid to establish themselves as a power club in Victoria, rather than sell home games interstate.
Aussie star’s absurd piece of NBA history
Rising Australian basketball superstar Dyson Daniels has done something no NBA player has managed to achieve in close to a decade.