Wallabies stars understand if Joe Schmidt makes decision to leave after British & Irish Lions series

Wallabies stars have accepted coach Joe Schmidt could leave the post after the British & Irish Lions tour this year, despite a push to have him lead Australia’s World Cup tilt in 2027.

Wallabies players have accepted that Joe Schmidt could depart after the British & Irish Lions due to family reasons, as they gather in preparation for the historic 2025 season.

Schmidt has been tabled a contract extension through to the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup by Rugby Australia, but has so far not given his employer any indication he will stay on past the Lions series when his current deal expires.

The master coach has a son in New Zealand with severe epilepsy who requires constant care and while RA and Wallabies players would dearly love Schmidt to extend his stay in Australia, the fact he was offered an extension last year and hasn’t responded suggests he is leaning towards finishing up in August once the Lions series has concluded.

Wallabies players and staff gathered at Sydney Olympic Park this week for a short camp in preparation for the Lions, and halves Nic White and Noah Lolesio said they understand Schmidt’s predicament.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt’s time as head coach could be close to its end. Picture: Getty Images

If Schmidt does go, it’s likely his assistants Laurie Fisher and Mike Cron would join him, while Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss is the favourite to take over.

“We’re very lucky with the coaches we’ve got at the moment, if they stick around, but we also understand that Joe’s given a lot to the game of rugby, he’s got a family as well, so does Laurie and Mike Cron,” White said.

“And if they decide that’s time, we’re really appreciative of what they’ve done, if they stick around, how good.

Wallabies halfback Nic White during January training camp at Sydney Olympic Park. Picture courtesy of Rugby Australia

“But it would be rude of us to put that pressure on him. I can speak for the group, just so appreciative of what him and the coaches are doing for us at the moment and helping us get to where we want to go, and there’s still some hard work to do.”

Lolesio was left out of Eddie Jones’ 2023 World Cup squad but flourished under Schmidt last year, taking a firm grasp of the Wallabies No.10 jersey.

“He’s been awesome for my development, before every single game, he always comes up to me and just says to back myself,” Lolesio said.

“He’s pushing not just myself, but the whole squad as well to be better. He’s been great.

“Joe’s life away from footy is his responsibility. Whatever Joe decides to do, it’s completely up to him.

“Obviously, the boys would love him to stay, but if he needs to go away then we’ll respect that.”

Noah Lolesio praised coach Joe Schmidt’s impact on his game. Picture: Getty Images

White said Schmidt’s future had not been a topic of conversation in the Wallabies’ first camp of the year.

“We’re just taking it day by day at the moment and what he’s done is a phenomenal job and we really appreciate him and the other coaches and what they’ve done over a short period of time,” White said.

“But everything’s about the Lions from here on, and we haven’t spoken about anything but that and what we need to do to get that right.

“There’s been a real rollercoaster, it’ll be a major shot in the arm, I imagine, if he did extend his stay.

“To be honest, it’s just been really good having him for the last six months and having him for the next six. Last year was a really good year and what we’re doing is changing some habits and our focus is just on the Lions.”

Originally published as Wallabies stars understand if Joe Schmidt makes decision to leave after British & Irish Lions series