Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt has officially ruled himself out of the race to become the next All Blacks head coach. According to a report from The Sydney Morning Herald. Despite speculation linking him to a return to New Zealand’s top job. Schmidt has made it clear that his focus remains firmly on Australian rugby through to the Rugby World Cup 2027.
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Schmidt is currently contracted with Rugby Australia until mid-2026. After this, Queensland Reds head coach Les Kiss is scheduled to take over the Wallabies role as the team builds toward hosting the World Cup in Australia in 2027.
Kiss is set to begin his transition into the job in August. Allowing Schmidt to step back from the day-to-day demands of head coaching and return to New Zealand to spend more time with his family. However, despite this planned handover.
The 60-year-old has informed New Zealand Rugby that he will not be pursuing the vacant All Blacks head coaching position. According to Sydney Morning Herald reporter Iain Payten, sources close to the situation who were not authorised to speak publicly confirmed. Schmidt has committed to staying aligned with Rugby Australia throughout the current World Cup cycle.
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Rugby World Cup: Schmidt Emerged as Leading All Blacks Candidate
Those sources indicated that while New Zealand Rugby had sounded Schmidt out regarding the role, he has chosen to remain loyal to his existing contract. He is understood to have made it clear that he would not switch loyalties mid-World Cup cycle. Effectively ending any chance of a surprise return to the All Blacks setup.
Schmidt’s name had been widely discussed as one of the leading candidates for the All Blacks role. Alongside Jamie Joseph and former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie. His experience at the highest level, including his success with Ireland and his previous involvement with New Zealand Rugby, made him an attractive option. Whether as head coach, an assistant, or in an advisory capacity.
There had also been suggestions that Schmidt could take on a consultancy role with Rugby Australia after stepping down as Wallabies head coach. Which would allow him to remain involved with the national program leading into 2027.
That scenario now appears more likely than any return across the Tasman. Australian rugby keen to retain his experience and influence behind the scenes. Wallabies captain Allan Alaalatoa has been vocal in his support of Schmidt, praising the impact he has had on the squad in a relatively short period of time.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Wallabies Players Back Schmidt
Speaking amid rumours of Schmidt’s potential departure, the veteran prop said the playing group would love to see him remain involved in Australian rugby. The boys respect him so much, and we’re hoping that he stays involved with us, Alaalatoa said. It doesn’t have to be with the Wallabies directly, but within Australian rugby behind the scenes.
What he’s done for our team in such a short period has been massive. Alaalatoa added that Schmidt’s presence could only benefit the sport in Australia moving forward. He’d make positive movements for us as a whole if he’s involved in some capacity, he said.
Schmidt previously worked with the All Blacks in the lead-up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, joining Ian Foster’s coaching staff as an assistant and strategist. Alongside forwards coach Jason Ryan, Schmidt played a key role in guiding New Zealand to the final. Where they narrowly lost 12-11 to South Africa at the Stade de France in Paris.
Since taking charge of the Wallabies, Schmidt has overseen a mixed period of results. The team showed signs of promise, including a historic victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park, but also endured a challenging finish to the season. Heavy defeats in the Bledisloe Cup and a late-season slide dampened the early optimism surrounding his tenure.
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