Joe Schmidt named new Australia head coach on two-year deal, replacing Eddie Jones who resigned after Rugby World Cup

ByJames Hilsum

Updated 19/01/2024 at 08:44 GMT

Joe Schmidt takes on the reins with the Wallabies on a two-year deal, hoping to turn over a new leaf after a hugely disappointing World Cup campaign under Eddie Jones. Jones resigned after Australia's humiliating pool-stage exit, and now faces a huge challenge to elevate the side back up to competing amongst the world's best. He will reunite with David Nucifora, who takes on an advisory role.

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Joe Schmidt has been named the new Australia head coach on a two-year deal, starting in March and running until the end of the British and Irish Lions tour in 2025.

Schmidt, 58, leaves his role as New Zealand assistant head coach, where he worked under Ian Foster since 2022.

His Australia predecessor Eddie Jones resigned in October after the Wallabies exited the World Cup at the pool stage for the first time in their history.

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They were beaten twice in four matches, prompting Rugby Australia to launch an independent review into the team's performance in France.

Schmidt becomes the third New Zealander to take charge of the Wallabies, following in the footsteps of Robbie Deans and Dave Rennie.

He said in a statement on the Wallabies website: "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 RA [Rugby Australia].”

Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh added: “Given our stated plan to build a unified Australian Rugby system, Joe’s experience with Ireland and New Zealand – two of the most aligned Rugby nations in the world – will no doubt prove valuable as we move forward.

“He has a global view of the game from his experience in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, and his appointment puts us in a strong position as we build towards the 2025 British and Irish Lions Tour.”

Schmidt had a successful six-year spell managing Ireland between 2013 and 2019, leading them to three Six Nations titles, and a Grand Slam in 2018.

He propelled them to No.1 in the world and a memorable first-ever win over the All Blacks in 2016.

Schmidt resigned from the post in 2019 after a World Cup quarter-final exit to the same opponents.

He will also be reunited with current Ireland director of rugby David Nucifora, who will take up an advisory role at Rugby Australia.

Nucifora has already announced his decision to leave his post with Ireland after this summer's Olympic Games in Paris.

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