Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt to step down at end of Rugby Championship

Joe Schmidt. Photo / Photosport

Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt will step down at the end of this year’s Rugby Championship, with Australia announcing Thursday they would immediately begin the search for his successor.

The 59-year-old New Zealander’s original contract had been due to expire at the end of the British and Irish Lions tour in early August.

Schmidt’s last game in charge will now be the Bledisloe Cup clash against New Zealand on October 4 in Perth after he agreed to stay on a bit longer.

The Wallabies will be looking for a fifth coach in six years after Michael Cheika, Dave Rennie, Eddie Jones and Schmidt, and one that can take them through to the 2027 World Cup, which Australia will host.

“We are delighted Joe will continue to coach the Wallabies beyond his current contract,” said Rugby Australia high performance director Peter Horne.

“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 has presided over six Test wins and seven defeats since he took over after Jones’s disastrous second stint in charge.

Jones oversaw Australia’s first-ever World Cup exit before the knockout stage in 2023.

The former Ireland coach Schmidt restored some pride with eyecatching wins on the Northern Hemisphere tour over England and Wales in November.

“The British and Irish Lions is our immediate focus,” he said.

“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.”

Rugby Australia 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.

“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.”