Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt is set to step down at the end of this year’s Rugby Championship, ending months of speculation over his future.
His last game in charge of Wallabies will be October 4 against New Zealand in Perth. Sources with knowledge of the situation not authorised to speak publicly say Schmidt is keen to stay on in an advisory role if his successor agrees.
Schmidt signed on last January to coach the Wallabies only until the end of the British and Irish Lions series this year, but after rebuilding the side’s confidence and a successful November tour, Rugby Australia had hoped to persuade the New Zealander to extend his stay until the 2027 World Cup.
Schmidt had originally committed to deciding on his future by the end of December, but negotiations on the role dragged on until this week.
Schmidt has enjoyed his time leading the Wallabies, where he is popular with the players and staff, but the coach has also been open about his family commitments at home in New Zealand, where his son Luke negotiates life with severe epilepsy.
