Joe Schmidt to succeed Eddie Jones as Wallabies head coach
SYDNEY (AP) — New Zealand-born former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has been named the new head coach of the Wallabies, succeeding Eddie Jones.
Rugby Australia announced Schmidt’s appointment in a statement Friday. He has been appointed at least through the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia in 2025.
Schmidt coached Ireland for six years from 2013 to 2019 and was World Rugby Coach of the Year in 2018. He led Ireland to three Six Nations titles, including the 2018 Grand Slam and to its first-ever win over the All Blacks.
Under Schmidt Ireland also beat the Springboks in South Africa for the first time and reached the world No. 1 ranking for the first time in 2019.
After leaving the Ireland role, Schmidt spent three seasons as head coach of the Irish club side Leinster, winning two European Championships, the Challenge Cup and the Pro 14 title.
Schmidt most recently has been an assistant coach of the All Blacks who reached the final of the World Cup in France earlier this year.
He takes on the Wallabies role at a troubled time for Australian rugby. Jones won only two of nine tests as head coach and the Wallabies were eliminated from the World Cup in the pool stage for the first time.
He resigned after the World Cup and since has been re-appointed Japan head coach. Jones’ denial of reports he was in discussion with Japan about returning as national team meant he left Australia under a cloud.
Schmidt now has the task of rebuilding the Wallabies and winning back fans who may have been disillusioned by the teams recent poor results.
“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 Rugby Australia,” Schmidt said. “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.”
Under a new structure, Jones will report direct to Rugby Australia’s new director of high-performance Peter Horne. Horne led the process which resulted in Schmidt’s recruitment.
“It has been a thorough process to make sure that we have landed the best and most suitable candidate, conducted by a panel including Dan Herbert and Phil Waugh, Joe Roff, John Eales, David Nucifora, RA’s head of people and culture and myself,” Horne said.
“It was a unanimous decision to appoint Joe. Everyone on the panel was impressed by his demeanor, his calm and logical approach to the game, as well as his communication style. Throughout his career, Joe has demonstrated an ability to take a leadership role in structural reform while developing a strong culture and world-class players.”
Schmidt will take up his appointment on March 1 and other members of his coaching team will be named after that date.
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