Joe Schmidt: Former Ireland coach confirmed as new Australia boss

Schmidt will lead the Wallabies through to the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour, where he will go up against his Ireland successor, the new Lions coach, Andy Farrell

Joe Schmidt has been confirmed as the new Australia coach.

The initial deal is for 18 months, to the end of the Lions 2025 Tour, which sets him for a direct head-to-head with his former Ireland assistant Andy Farrell.

Among those known to have applied for the post, which was closed off for applications last Friday, was another former Leinster coach Michael Cheika.

READ MORE - “Joe changed everything, he was incredible” - Joe Schmidt's year in Mullingar

Top line

Schmidt succeeds Eddie Jones as Australia head coach after Jones resigned in October after the Wallabies failed to reach the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time.

"I am conscious that the Wallabies have weathered a difficult period, and I am keen to help them build a way forward, with greater alignment and clear direction from RA,” said New Zealand-born Schmidt.

“The upcoming Test matches against Wales will arrive quickly, post-Super Rugby, and the program through to the British and Irish Lions Tour next year presents plenty of opportunities and challenges – which I am sure will invigorate players and staff.

“I am looking forward to connecting with Super Rugby coaches, RA staff, and getting to observe and meet players in the coming months.”

Schmidt led Ireland between 2013 and 2019, winning three Six Nations titles and beating New Zealand for the first time in 111 years.

Reaction

Irish TV pundit and former international flanker Alan Quinlan is not surprised that Schmidt was snapped up by Australia.

"It doesn’t surprise me that they went after Joe, his record with Ireland and Leinster was incredibly impressive," notes Quinlan.

"Players, particularly in Ireland, rated him so highly through that very successful period when he coached Leinster and Ireland.

"He got involved with the All Blacks for a period of time, but there’s obviously been changes there with Scott Robertson and what’s gone on there so I’m not surprised, first of all, that he was linked to the Australia job a few months ago."

Quinlan admits Schmidt has always been worth monitoring.

"I’ve always been impressed by Joe, I’d be really pleased to see him back involved at the top level, his diligence and attention to detail was something that so many players that I spoke to over the years who were coached by him, loved.

"He has a big job with Australia. They’ve a lot of structural issues and challenges going on there - Joe will be someone who will give them enthusiasm and energy. He just works around the clock.

"It’s been rumoured for a while and it’s a great opportunity for him as well, and I’m glad to see him back in the game, I think he could do a very good job - if it happens!"

Lions tour

The incoming 2025 Lions Tour will see Schmidt pit his wits directly up against his former assistant, Andy Farrell.

"Obviously with Joe coaching Australia and Andy Farrell coaching the Lions team, if that match-up happens, it will be really intriguing given there was a matchup already at the World Cup with Joe being involved with New Zealand," said Quinlan.

"If I had a choice, I would have revoked Joe’s citizenship after that! His stamp and footprint was all over that win against Ireland at the World Cup."

Background

Schmidt was chosen by a Wallabies panel that included Australian CEO Phil Waugh, current IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora who is Rugby Australia's head of people and culture, Dan Herbert, Joe Roff, John Eales and RA's incoming director of high performance, Peter Horne.

“Joe has delivered success at every stop in his career – winning European titles with Leinster, winning Six Nations championships, leading Ireland to World number one for the first time and, most recently, his role in the All Blacks’ run to the Rugby World Cup final,” said Waugh.

“He has also been a World Coach of the Year after he won the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2018.

“Given our stated plan to build a unified Australian rugby system, Joe’s experience with Ireland and New Zealand – two of the most aligned Rugby nations in the world – will no doubt prove valuable as we move forward.

“He has a global view of the game and his experience in both the northern and southern hemispheres, and his appointment puts us in a strong position as we build towards the 2025 British and Irish Lions Tour.”

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