Wallabies begin search for new head coach as Joe Schmidt confirms departure after 2025 Rugby Championship

The Wallabies will soon be on the hunt for a new head coach after Joe Schmidt confirmed he will step down from the role following the 2025 Rugby Championship.

A Short but Impactful Tenure

Schmidt originally signed on to lead the team until the conclusion of their three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions in August.

However, talks were underway to extend his stay beyond that.

While many hoped he would continue through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Schmidt has instead opted to depart after the Rugby Championship, with his final match set to be the Bledisloe Cup clash against the All Blacks on October 4.

Since taking over, Schmidt has made a noticeable impact, with the Wallabies showing significant improvement.

His leadership has sparked optimism about the team’s future, making his departure all the more disappointing for fans and players alike.

A Tough Call for Family Reasons

Schmidt’s decision to step away wasn’t taken lightly.

The veteran coach cited personal reasons, primarily his son’s health, as the driving factor behind his choice.

Stepping down will allow him to dedicate more time to his family, a decision that Rugby Australia fully understands and supports.

Rugby Australia Responds

Rugby Australia’s high-performance director, Peter Horne, acknowledged Schmidt’s dedication and the reasons for his departure.

“Joe expressed his enjoyment working with the team but also his need to spend more time with family,” Horne said, reinforcing that Schmidt’s contributions were deeply valued and his decision respected.

Who Will Take Over?

With Schmidt’s exit confirmed, speculation is already heating up about his potential successor.

Several names have emerged as frontrunners, including Super Rugby coaches Les Kiss (Reds), Dan McKellar (Waratahs), and Stephen Larkham (Brumbies).

There’s also buzz around former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika potentially making a return to the role.

The Road Ahead for the Wallabies

While Schmidt’s departure marks the end of an era, it also opens up a new chapter for Australian rugby.

The next head coach will have big shoes to fill, but with the 2027 Rugby World Cup on the horizon, the pressure will be on to build a squad capable of competing on the global stage.

Who do you think should take over as the next Wallabies coach? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts!