Big News for Australian Rugby Fans
The Wallabies are in for a big shake-up just ahead of the upcoming Lions Tour.
Joe Schmidt, the head coach who took the reins after the disappointing 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign, has confirmed that he’ll step down in October.
While fans had hoped Schmidt, who turned around the team’s fortunes, would stay on for the 2027 World Cup, his departure marks another major change for Australian rugby.
Schmidt’s Sudden Exit
Schmidt, the 59-year-old former Ireland coach, had initially agreed to lead the Wallabies through to the 2025 Lions Tour.
However, Rugby Australia made it clear that Schmidt will now finish his time with the team after the Rugby Championship, with his final match scheduled for October 4 against New Zealand in the Bledisloe Cup.
While Schmidt expressed he’s enjoying his time with the Wallabies, he cited a desire to spend more time with his family as a key reason for his decision to move on.
This move leaves the team searching for a new head coach, continuing the trend of frequent leadership changes in the past few years.
The Road Ahead for Australian Rugby
Schmidt has had a mixed but influential run with the Wallabies, overseeing 13 matches, with 6 victories.
His standout achievement was a thrilling win over England at Twickenham, though his tenure ended with a close defeat to Ireland, his former team.
With the Lions Tour just around the corner in June, Schmidt’s departure brings a new challenge for Rugby Australia.
The hunt for a successor has already begun, with high-performance director Peter Horne leading the recruitment process.
Despite the transition, Rugby Australia thanked Schmidt for his leadership and contributions, particularly in reigniting Australian rugby pride ahead of some big upcoming events, including the Lions Tour. Schmidt’s extension until after the Rugby Championship will help ensure stability as the team prepares for key matches against South Africa.
Who Will Replace Schmidt?
With Schmidt stepping down, speculation about his replacement is heating up.
Queensland boss Les Kiss is a top contender.
Having a solid background in both rugby league and union, Kiss has worked alongside Schmidt at Ireland and is well-positioned to take over.
However, his contract with the Reds complicates things, as he would need to leave early.
Other names in the mix include Stephen Larkham, a former Wallabies star who played a pivotal role in Australia’s 1999 Rugby World Cup win.
Larkham has been instrumental in developing the Brumbies and spent time coaching Munster in Ireland.
Michael Cheika, the former Wallabies coach, has also re-entered the conversation after Leicester announced he would leave his post at the end of the season.
What’s Next for the Wallabies?
The Wallabies’ next match is on July 6, when they’ll face Fiji in a warm-up game before the Lions arrive.
The Lions will take on the Wallabies in the first of their summer Tests on July 19 at Suncorp Stadium.
With the coaching search underway, it’s clear that big changes are ahead for Australian rugby as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
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