Joe Schmidt is extending his current contract as Wallabies Head Coach through to the end of the 2025 Rugby Championship.
The New Zealander has agreed to stay beyond the 2025 British and Irish Lions series, however, he will now depart after this year’s Rugby Championship.
Rugby Australia (RA) were hoping that they could tie him down to the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, but Schmidt’s personal circumstances meant that he was unable to commit as his son, Luke, suffers from severe epilepsy.
It at least provides clarity for both parties as the governing body can now look to the person who will take them into the next global tournament, which is being held in Australia.
“We are delighted Joe will continue to coach the Wallabies beyond his current contract,” Director of High Performance Peter Horne said.
“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.”
RA were initially hoping Schmidt’s future would be resolved by the end of 2024, but talks dragged into the new year.
There were fears that it would go on longer, but it has concluded with the 59-year-old agreeing to a slight extension in order to provide a smoother transition for the current head coach’s successor.
“I am very much enjoying my time with Australian Rugby,” Schmidt said. “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.”
RA chief executive Phil Waugh said: “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.
“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.”
According to reports, RA had already put a contingency plan in place should Schmidt depart, with Reds boss Les Kiss linked to the role, but that process of recruiting a new head coach will now formally begin.
They have a few options to choose from with Brumbies boss Stephen Larkham and Waratahs head coach Dan McKellar also highly rated, while it has been confirmed that ex-Wallabies head honcho Michael Cheika will leave Leicester Tigers midway through 2025.
