Wallabies drop major coaching bombshell on Joe Schmidt’s future ahead of this summer’s British and Irish Lions Tour

Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt has dealt Australian rugby fans a huge blow and is sensationally set to walk away from his role as the national side’s head coach in October.

There were hopes that the 59-year-old former Ireland boss would stay on for the 2027 World Cup – which will be hosted in Australia – having galvanised the Aussies after he took over following the team’s dismal 2023 Rugby World Cup performance under former boss Eddie Jones.

The New Zealanders’ exit means Australia is now remarkably looking for their fifth head coach in the last six years.

Schmidt, who has previously coached, Claremont, the Blues and Ireland, had signed a deal to oversee proceedings at the national side until after the 2025 Lions Tour. 

But Rugby Australia announced today that Schmidt, who had also worked as a selector for the All Blacks between 2022 and 2023, had agreed to extend his contract until the end of the Rugby Championship. 

His last match will be Australia’s Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand on October 4.

‘I am very much enjoying my time with Australian Rugby,’ Schmidt said, in reaction to the news. 

‘The British and Irish Lions is our immediate focus 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.’

Speculation had been revolving around his future as Australia’s head coach for some time, with the Wallabies announcing on Thursday that they have begun their search for a new coach.

Powerbrokers at Rugby Australia stated that the 59-year-old had expressed a desire to spend more time at home with his family.

Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh thanked Schmidt for his efforts with the national side and for extending his tenure.

‘Joe’s drive, knowledge and work ethic have been instrumental in restoring pride in the Wallabies jersey and energising supporters around the country ahead of an extraordinary runway of major events that starts with the arrival of the British & Irish Lions in June,’ Waugh said in a statement.

‘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.’

Director of high performance, Peter Horne, will now lead Australia’s recruitment drive for a new coach, whose first task will be to prepare Australia to take on Jones’ Japan away from home.

‘We are delighted Joe will continue to coach the Wallabies beyond his current contract,’ Horne said. ‘After noting the positive impact Joe has made with the Wallabies playing and coaching staff, we were keen that he will 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.’

More to follow…