NewsBite

Australian rugby

Advertisement
Joe Schmidt back in Sydney for Wallabies camp in January.

The looming Joe Schmidt problem … and it’s not his contract

The Wallabies coach hasn’t given much away about his future but a decision made in early January about a departing player could open a Pandora’s box.

  • Iain Payten

Latest

David Nucifora during his role working with Ireland.

He was talked up as a saviour of Australian rugby. Now he’ll be coaching the Lions instead

David Nucifora is set to become the first Australian to join the coaching staff of the British and Irish Lions, just a year after being recruited to help rebuild Aussie rugby.

  • Iain Payten
Jake Gordon of the Wallabies

Off-contract Wallabies considering European exit if Schmidt opts out

Off contract at the end of the year, Waratahs captain Jake Gordon is one of many people eager to know whether Joe Schmidt will stay involved with the Wallabies.

  • Iain Payten
Former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper who is now playing for Australia 7s team Rugby Australia at Moore Park, Monday 20th of November 2023. Photo: Dion Georgopoulos / The Sydney Morning Herald

His World Cup and Olympics went up in smoke. Will Hooper finally get a farewell against the Lions?

Former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper is making a professional comeback in Japan, and it’s opened the door for a role in the massive British and Irish Lions tour later this year.

  • Iain Payten
NSW Waratahs player Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii poses for a photograph next to a window ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.

‘It was kind of crazy’: Suaalii loving life outside the NRL

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is being tested in different positions at the Waratahs, but is determined to become one of the club’s goal-kicking options.

  • Jonathan Drennan
The Waratahs weekly sessions at the dojo.

‘You can’t hide’: Inside the viral bash-up sessions toughening up the Tahs

Every Friday morning of the last two months of 2024, the Waratahs gathered at a Botany dojo before smashing each other silly.

  • Iain Payten
Advertisement
Joe Schmidt and Phil Waugh

The two vital decisions that could make or break Australian rugby this Christmas

It’s the time of the year when most workplaces shut down for the festive period. But Rugby Australia is sweating on a pair of massive calls as the year winds to a close.

  • Iain Payten
Eddie Jones at Japan training in London in November, 2024.

Eddie Jones’ Japan will face the Wallabies next year. Will he still be in charge?

Japanese Rugby officials unveiled the Australian as their new coach last December, just weeks after he quit the Wallabies. A year on, the JRFU appear to be re-considering their decision.

  • Iain Payten
Aussie sevens womens team players who are committing to XVs rugby in 2025 to try and make the Rugby World Cup. Teagan Levi, Maddison Levi and Charlotte Caslick at Rugby Australia HQ in Moore Park, Thursday 12th of December 2024. Photo: Dion Georgopoulos / The Sydney Morning Herald

Can Charlotte Caslick and co help Australia win a Rugby World Cup? We’re about to find out

A group of Australia’s sevens superstars, including Charlotte Caslick and Maddison Levi, will switch to 15s next year to try to help the Wallaroos win a world crown.

  • Iain Payten
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii takes on England at Twickenham.

Win Bledisloe every two years: Rugby Australia sets out bold five-year goals

A new strategy paper through to 2029 released by RA includes some lofty ambitions.

  • Iain Payten

Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/australian-rugby-5um