Schmidt relishing challenge of trying to revitalise the Wallabies
Joe Schmidt says he is ready to revive Australian rugby after the former Ireland boss was named as the new Wallabies head coach.
The 58-year-old has been given a two-year contract and takes over from Eddie Jones, who vacated the post after a disastrous World Cup campaign that resulted in Australia failing to progress past the group stages. The Wallabies have only won three of their last ten matches and have slumped to ninth in the world rankings.
Schmidt’s first match in charge will be a summer test against Wales, with his deal encompassing three matches against the British and Irish Lions in 2025.
“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 after his position was confirmed. “The upcoming Test matches against Wales will arrive quickly, post-super Rughowever, by, 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.”
Schmidt coached Ireland from 2013-2019, where he won the Six Nations and was recognisedastheworldrugbycoach oftheyearin2018.morerecently he was an assistant coach for the All Blacks from 2022 and during their runners-up finish in the World Cup last year.
Meanwhile, Steve Diamond has joined Newcastle Falcons as “consultant director of rugby” as the club’s head coach
Alex Codling steps away from daily duties. The 54-year-old Lancastrian will take effective control of a club floundering at the foot of the Premiership having lost all 11 league games this season.
Diamond spent time with Edinburgh last year as “lead rugby consultant”. He left Edinburgh in August when Sean Everitt arrived as coach.
Elsewhere, referee Jaco Peyper has announced his retirement to concentrate on new ventures. The South African had been due to take charge of Italy v Scotland in the Six Nations in March.