Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt quits to care for son and family

Saturday, 01 November 2025 at 15:58

byRugby Rucker

— he still struggles to deliver more than half a game of consistent impact.

Joe Schmidt will remain as head coach of the Wallabies until mid-2026, Rugby Australia confirmed on 30 April 2025, with Les Kiss set to succeed him afterwards.

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The former Ireland boss took over from Eddie Jones in 2023. His original contract was due to finish after the British & Irish Lions series this July–August, but a short-term extension now keeps him in charge through next year’s campaigns.

“After noting the positive impact Joe has made with the Wallabies’ playing and coaching staff, we were keen that he stay on,” said Peter Horne, Australia’s director of high performance. “He has made it clear he wants to spend more time with his family and was not seeking a longer-term deal.”

Schmidt, 59, has always prioritised family. His son Luke, who lives with severe epilepsy, has been central to his decisions.

Around 50 million people worldwide live with epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological disorders. Yet epilepsy remains difficult to understand, with the cause still unknown in roughly half of cases globally.

In 2023, Schmidt said: "It is difficult. I remember an epileptologist once saying to me that we know more about the bottom of the ocean than what goes on between our ears.

"With the brain being so complex, we just accept that it's difficult to know things for sure. The good thing is there are trials happening, there are new medications that potentially can help."

“I’ve got a sick son and we’re off overseas to see specialists to try and get some help with him … so the reality for me is a long way from rugby when we fly out on Tuesday.”

Reflecting more broadly on the pressures of coaching, he added:

“Part of it was an escape from the public part of things … I just think it impacts my family. And it impacts me.”

During his career, Schmidt led Ireland to three Six Nations titles between 2013 and 2019. His decision to step down in mid-2026, with Kiss taking over, balances his professional ambitions with the demands of supporting his family.

Effected by Epilepsy. Get I touch with Epilepsy Action for help or information.

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