Joe Schmidt quits Rugby Australia

Forum » Rugby » Joe Schmidt quits Rugby Australia

Feb 06, 2025, 11:17

....and so the endless revolving door or rugby coaches keeps turning for Australia. 

Another high profile coach decides to pack it in. 

Australia was quick to dump Dave Rennie before the World Cup for Eddie Jones, only for Jones, to say Nah Mate, you guys are shit and pick up an offer with Japan.

Then, in come Joe Schmidt that had some success with Oiland, but couldn't get them past a quarter final and lost 2 of his pool games in Japan and that was the end of him. 

My only question is whether Jake the Snake will show his ugly head and try in a desperate attempt to land an international coaching job. 

However, I think Australia rugby is done at its core, no people are going to the games, some of their best players are in France and not really that committed. Not much talent coming as they all have been picked up by league. 

Then you have some of the youngster that have gone to league for bigger money and the opportunity to actually play in matches where there are fans at the game. 

Australia needs to build from the ground up again. Their 5 franchises was a mistake. 

They need to go back to their club roots, have fewer super rugby games and focus on their NSW vs Queensland rivalry. Instead of trying to fill big stadiums. 

It worked when there was only 3 super rugby teams and they actually won the wold cup. 

I know know the Western Farce is a rugby hot bed but Rugby Australia needs to salvage what ever they can 

Feb 06, 2025, 11:44

That's bad news. Schmidt had them going in the right direction.

Feb 06, 2025, 11:58

That is a pity Schmidt was turning the Aussies 

We need Oz to be strong again as we do Wales

Feb 06, 2025, 12:04

Here's the good oil.....

'In an RA statement released on Thursday, Schmidt said: “I am very much enjoying my time with Australian Rugby. 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.”

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 been open about his family commitments at home in New Zealand, where his son Luke negotiates life with severe epilepsy.

 

RA’s director of high performance, Peter Horne, who played a major role in luring Schmidt to the Wallabies, has been working closely with the coach on how he can continue to contribute. RA chief executive Phil Waugh has also spoken of a willingness to be “creative” when it comes to keeping Schmidt involved.

“We are delighted Joe will continue to coach the Wallabies beyond his current contract,” Horne 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.”

Feb 06, 2025, 12:08

Yeah I have just read that - it also said his wife and son still live in NZ and the son needs constant attention so he needs to return home to be with them 

So he will see them through the Lions tour and the RC and is open to being a consultant depending on the new coach appointed 

Feb 06, 2025, 12:22

Australia need to offer Jaques Nienaber a blank cheque and beg him to take over. Promise to make him wealthy beyond his wildest dreams and offer him an 8 year deal.

 

 

Feb 06, 2025, 13:31

Neinaber is not the Leinster head coach for a reason - he works well as an assistant - which he was to Rassie and now at Leinster 

Even while he was labelled the Bok head coach for a period, we all know Rassie was still pulling the strings 

I reckon Larkham might get the job with Schmidt consulting 

Feb 06, 2025, 15:20

Except when we lost and then Harrassmisss was not pulling the strings.

Feb 06, 2025, 15:26

That’s a pity. Larkham was one of the names. Les Kiss (Reds HC) and Cheika was also mentioned.

Apparently RA are also open  to a foreign candidate. So who knows….

I bet whoever works best along side Schmidt,s Consultancy , will get the Job.

 

 

Feb 06, 2025, 21:34

Cheika is leaving Leicester at the end of the season so…..? 

Feb 07, 2025, 12:01

Yeah, Cheika got sent packing after shipping 72 points against Toulon the other day. The Leicester board would never stand for that. 

They are so entrenched in their believe that they are the best club in the world and still holds on to the days of Neill Back and Martin Johnson, to name a few. I think they had Lewis Moody on their books a number of 2003 World Cup winners. The swept Europe and even won a game where Neill Back cheekily pulled the ball out of the scrum halves hands in a Euro cup final. I think it was Leinster or Munster they were playing against. 

But if you look at the players, how well they are and the money that they pump into players development, how professional they have become, it will be a long way back and I don't think they will ever achieve that level again

Not sure if Cheika would be the right person

Feb 07, 2025, 14:39

Nope, Cheika only had a years contract. He declined to sign on for any further time with Leicester. 

Feb 08, 2025, 09:29

Give the job to Stephan Larkham.

Feb 08, 2025, 12:25

I think Larkham is the way to go - otherwisse Aussie Rugby will die out due to lack of support by the Aussie public.     

 
You need to Log in to reply.
Back to top