Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt to stand down after Rugby Championship

Joe Schmidt will step down as Wallabies coach at the end of the Rugby Championship, in a blow to Australia’s World Cup hopes.

Rugby Australia (RA) wanted an answer from Schmidt before the start of the Super Rugby Pacific season and the Kiwi confirmed on Thursday he would extend his contract beyond the British and Irish Lions tour, but would not continue through to the World Cup in Australia in 2027.

His last Test will be against the All Blacks in Perth on October 4.

The departure of the 59-year-old forces the governing body to search for a fifth Wallabies coach in six years.

Queensland’s Les Kiss, Waratahs mentor Dan McKellar and the Brumbies’ Stephen Larkham are understood to be in the running although RA is set to explore all its options.

The new coach will steer Australia on the spring tour, with its first clash on October 25 in Tokyo against Japan, which is now coached by Eddie Jones, who took over from Schmidt.

Australia’s 2024 spring tour included wins over England and Wales and a narrow loss to Ireland, which increased optimism about the direction of the Wallabies under Schmidt after a disastrous World Cup under Jones in France.

However Schmidt’s wife and son, who requires constant medical care, live in New Zealand which swayed his decision.

It is believed Schmidt is open to staying on as a consultant but that will be dependent on the new coach.

AAP