Joe Schmidt to leave Australia head coach role in October

Joe Schmidt will leave his post as Australia head coach in October following the conclusion of this year's Rugby Championship.

Schmidt, who assumed the role in the wake of the Wallabies' disastrous 2023 World Cup campaign, will remain in charge for the upcoming Lions Tour in the summer and the subsequent 2025 Rugby Championship but will depart in advance of the November series.

Australian Rugby's Head of the High Performance Peter Horne, who will lead the search for a successor, said that Schmidt was looking to "spend more at home with his family."

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

Schmidt commented: "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."

The former Ireland coach was appointed to take charge of the Wallabies in January 2024 following Eddie Jones' disastrous stint, which saw them exit the 2023 World Cup at the pool stage after defeats to Fiji and Wales.

Australia endured a difficult Rugby Championship in 2024, finishing bottom after one win from six games, however they showed a marked improvement in November.

In their Northern Hemisphere tour, the Wallabies defeated England in memorable fashion in Twickenham, winning 42-37 after Max