Joe Schmidt will leave his role as Australia head coach after the 2025 Rugby Championship, but is open to a consultancy post with the Wallabies.
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 but family reasons are understood to have played a major role in Schmidt’s decision, with his son’s health requiring constant care.
Schmidt’s last game in charge will now be the Bledisloe Cup clash against New Zealand in Perth on 4 October.
“We are delighted Joe will continue to coach the Wallabies beyond his current contract,” said RA’s high-performance director Peter Horne. “Joe expressed his enjoyment working with the team but also his need to spend more time with family.”
PLUS: All Blacks can take Boks’ top spot – McCaw
Schmidt added: “The British & Lions is our immediate focus, but with the Rugby Championship following so soon, continuity is key.”
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh credited Schmidt with restoring pride in the Wallabies, winning six of 13 Tests since he replaced Eddie Jones.
The Roar reports that Reds coach Les Kiss is the frontrunner, with Dan McKellar, Stephen Larkham and Michael Cheika also in the mix. Overseas candidates will be considered, but RA wants a new coach in place before Schmidt’s departure.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images