After months of speculation, Joe Schmidt has confirmed he will step down as Wallabies coach in October, leaving Rugby Australia to search for a fifth head coach in six years.
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The 59-year-old has extended his current contract through to the end of this year’s Rugby Championship, meaning his last game as Australian coach will be October’s Bledisloe Cup clash against New Zealand in Perth. He could take on an advisory role if his successor agrees.
The new Wallabies mentor’s first assignment will be a spring tour contest against Eddie Jones’ Japan in Tokyo on October 25.
“I am very much enjoying my time with Australian Rugby,” Schmidt said in a statement.
“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.”
Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh thanked Schmidt, whose wife and son live in New Zealand, for his service.
“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.”
Les Kiss, Dan McKellar, Michael Cheika and Stephen Larkham loom as the leading candidates to take over the role.
“We are delighted Joe will continue to coach the Wallabies beyond his current contract,” Peter Horne, Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance, said in a statement.
“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.”
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