Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt to stand down, as Australia starts search for replacement

Australia’s international rugby revival has hit a major hurdle, with the Wallabies forced to head to market again for a head coach following a surprise announcement from Joe Schmidt.

Joe Schmidt is set to step down as Wallabies coach at the end of The Rugby Championship, prompting Rugby Australia to search for a fifth head coach in six years.

Following much speculation about his future, Schmidt has told his employers that he will extend his tenure beyond the British & Irish Lions into TRC, but will then step aside in October.

This masthead understands Schmidt is open to a consultancy role through to the 2027 World Cup, but that would depend on the new head coach.

The 59-year-old Schmidt will coach through one more TRC campaign before he hands over the reins, with the new Wallabies coach taking charge of the national team from the start of the spring tour, starting against Eddie Jones’ Japan in Tokyo on October 25.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has stood for personal reasons. Picture: Getty

Queensland’s Les Kiss, NSW’s Dan McKellar and the Brumbies’ Stephen Larkham are all understood to be in contention, but the added time allows Rugby Australia to explore overseas options who may express an interest in the role.

Schmidt’s future has been the cause of huge conjecture since last year, given he’d only signed a contract to the end of the British & Irish Lions series that concludes on August 2.

He indicated late last year he would give RA his answer on whether he would extend his term beyond that, but it has remained a mystery as his employer desperately sought unique measures to keep him on board.

Schmidt’s wife and son live in New Zealand. His son has epilepsy and requires constant medical care, making it difficult for Schmidt – known for his relentless work ethic – to balance his professional and personal lives across two countries.

It’s understood RA offered Schmidt the option of spending more time in New Zealand if he stayed in charge of the Wallabies, but that would be at odds with his approach of being all-in in his duties.

Schmidt (L) led the Wallabies rebuild, which included a fruitful Spring Tour last year. Picture: Getty

Led by Director of High Performance, Peter Horne, RA will now commence a process to recruit the Wallabies’ next Head Coach, who will start after the 2025 TRC.

“We are delighted Joe will continue to coach the Wallabies beyond his current contract,” Horne said.

“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: “I am very much enjoying my time with Australian Rugby.

“The British & 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.”

RA chief executive Phil Waugh thanked Schmidt for extending his commitment to the Wallabies.

“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,” Waugh said.

“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.”

While Schmidt’s departure as head coach is a blow to the Wallabies, given the immense strides the team made in last year’s spring tour with wins over England and Wales and a narrow loss to Ireland, his knowledge of Australia’s players and systems will be invaluable to the new coach.

Remaining as a consultant would mean Schmidt will still play a key role in the Wallabies’ fortunes for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

Following Michael Cheika’s departure following the 2019 World Cup, the Wallabies have had Dave Rennie, Eddie Jones and now Schmidt at the helm.

Originally published as Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt to stand down, as Australia starts search for replacement