Statement: Joe Schmidt to leave Australia

Thursday, 06 February 2025 at 09:58

byRugby Rucker

Joe Schmidt’s time as Australia head coach is set to come to an end later this year, with the Kiwi stepping down after the 2025 Rugby Championship.

Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!

Schmidt, who took over from Eddie Jones in 2023, was initially set to depart after this summer’s British & Irish Lions series. However, he has now agreed to stay on for the Rugby Championship before calling time on his tenure in October.

"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," said Peter Horne, Rugby Australia’s director of high performance.

Despite Rugby Australia’s hopes of keeping him longer, Schmidt made it clear that he wanted to prioritise time with his family rather than commit to a longer-term deal leading into the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

A proven winner, Schmidt guided Ireland to three Six Nations titles between 2013 and 2019 before returning to the Test scene with New Zealand as a selector. Since taking charge of the Wallabies, he has managed six wins from 13 games.

Now, Rugby Australia must find their fifth head coach in just six years, with plans to have a successor in place by the end of 2025.

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Jonny Wilkinson’s Top 3 Stadiums with the Best Atmosphere (and No, Twickenham Didn’t Make It)

Jonny Wilkinson, a Premiership legend who racked up an incredible 2,049 points with Newcastle Falcons (1997-2009), surprised fans with his picks for stadiums that delivered the best atmosphere. Twickenham?

Not there. Even Kingston Park, his old Newcastle haunt, didn’t get a look-in. Here's what made the cut from a Q&A in 2017.

#3. The French Fortress – Stade de France (France)

Located in Saint-Denis, the Stade de France has its quirks (being a bit out of the way, for one), but when it comes to atmosphere, it doesn’t disappoint. Les Bleus fans can lift the roof when France are flying, but even opposition teams get inspired when the energy turns.

Wilkinson summed it up: “Whenever I played there on every occasion, the atmosphere was fantastic.”

Capacity: 80,698

#2. The Welsh Cauldron – Principality Stadium (Wales)

It might have replaced the famous Cardiff Arms Park, but everything about this venue is top-notch (well, except for the dodgy turf issues when the roof stays shut too long). The Welsh fans bring unrivaled passion and rugby know-how.

Wilkinson gushed: “I always felt Cardiff was an incredible stadium because of the passion and the knowledge the Wales fans have. I also won a Heineken Cup there, which I'll never forget.”

Capacity: 74,500

#1. The Aussie Amphitheatre – Stadium Australia (Australia)

Stadium Australia (formerly ANZ Stadium) is a giant, seating up to 84,000 fans, and it knows how to put on a show. It hosted seven Rugby World Cup games in 2003, including that heart-stopping final where Wilkinson’s drop goal sealed England's victory. Electric is an understatement.

Wilkinson recalled: “The best atmosphere I ever played in wearing an England shirt was in Australia for that Rugby World Cup final. It was electric.”

Capacity: 84,000