The head of the Wallabies, Joe Schmidt, has treated Australian rugby fans a great blow and is sensationally ready to get away from his role as a coach in the head of the national team in October.
There were hope that the former 59 -year -old Ireland chief stay for the 2027 World Cup, which will be presented in Australia, after galvanizing the Australians after assuming the sad performance of the 2023 rugby World Cup in 2023 of the team under former boss Eddie Jones.
The departure of the New Zealand means that Australia now significantly seeks his fifth chief coach in the last six years.
Schmidt, who has previously trained, Claremont, Blues and Ireland, had signed an agreement to supervise the procedures on 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 the test of the Bledisloe Cup of Australia against New Zealand on October 4.
“I am enjoying my time with Australian rugby,” Schmidt said, in reaction to the news.
“The British and Irish lions are our immediate approach, but, with the Rugby Championship, following the Lions series so closely, I understand the need for continuity that is directed to two test games outside South Africa.”
Speculation had revolved around his future as a chief coach of Australia for some time, with the Wallabies announcing Thursday that they have begun their search for a new coach.
The Rugby Australia PowerBrokers declared that the 59 -year -old man had expressed his desire to spend more time at home with his family.
Rugby Chief Australia, Phil Waugh, thanked Schmidt for his efforts with the national side and extending his mandate.
“Joe's Drive, knowledge and ethics of work have been fundamental to restore pride in the Wallabies shirt and energizing followers throughout the country before an extraordinary route of important events that begin with the arrival of British and Irish lions in June, “Waugh said in a statement.
“We are pleased that Joe has extended his participation with the Wallabies beyond his initial contract and we hope to begin the process of recruiting his successor.”
The High Performance Director, Peter Horne, will now lead the Australian recruitment campaign for a new coach, whose first task will be to prepare Australia to face Japan from Jones away from home.
“We are delighted that Joe continues to train the Wallabies beyond his current contract,” said Horne. 'After noticing the positive impact that Joe has had with the Wallabies playing and the coaching staff, we were interested in staying after the Lions series.
“Joe told us that he was enjoying his work with the Wallabies, while making clear his need to spend more time at home with his family.”
More to follow …