RA pondering Schmidt’s future

Phase two of Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies rebuild resumes on Monday morning with the first national camp of the year underway. But the question that has Rugby Australia sweating over the festive season is whether the New Zealander will remain in his coaching position beyond August 3. Lions Test.

RA officials have spent the second successive summer trying to overcome a coaching predicament as most of Australia has finished the rest of their Christmas ham. This comes after Schmidt canceled informing RA of his coaching intentions until December.

RA want Schmidt to take the Wallabies to a home World Cup in 2027, but it takes two to tango and all indications are that the New Zealander will complete it at some point in 2025.

RA is hoping that Schmidt will stay, but it feels like he will leave due to his desire and need to spend more time with his family. Second-year Queensland coach Les Kiss remains favored to take over as manager despite RA not speaking directly to the Reds about bringing him to the Wallabies.

However, it may not be immediately after the third Lions Test in Sydney on August 2.

Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies coaching future remains unclear despite previously saying he wanted to provide clarity by December. (Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Just two weeks later, at the Wallabies Rugby Championship opener against the Springboks in South Africa, a source said: roar Schmidt may consider coaching the national team until the end of the tournament against the All Blacks on October 4.

Others have also highlighted the fact that the Wallabies’ end-of-year tour will take place in Japan against Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms in just three weeks’ time.

What is certain is that there will be a coaching overhaul one way or another.

roar We understand that at least two of Schmidt’s assistants will not be with the Wallabies until the end of the year.

With Schmidt gone too, it will take RA less than two years to get the Wallabies humming after rebuilding New Zealand.

One person who could play a key role in the changing of the guard could be former Blues manager and All Blacks assistant coach Leon MacDonald.

In late spring, surprisingly, MacDonald, who left the All Blacks coaching team under Scott Robertson just five Tests into a new era in New Zealand, held talks with the Western Force about joining Simon Cron’s coaching team.

Leon MacDonald held talks with the Western Force late last year and could be the man Joe Schmidt adds to the Wallabies coaching set-up. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

There were strong talks, although they didn’t end up happening, that MacDonald could join Schmidt’s coaching team instead.

These whispers have not abated in recent weeks. Especially considering MacDonald and Schmidt’s close relationship after working together at the Blues.

It’s unlikely that MacDonald will be considered manager material for Australia, but both RA and the New Zealander could benefit from a short- or long-term contract.

MacDonald’s stock has dipped somewhat following his sudden exit from the All Blacks and the former Test back will benefit from having a Lions campaign under his belt.

Meanwhile, Schmidt ran the attack for the Wallabies last year, but given the hectic workload in July, which also includes a Test against Fiji in Newcastle, it would be valuable to have someone with MacDonald’s ability and reliability.

He could also be a bridge for the Wallabies if Schmidt leaves.

Schmidt is considered a guy who likes to pull strings.

Joe Schmidt has signed a contract with Rugby Australia until the end of the British and Irish Lions series. (Photo credit: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

of course, roar It has been learned that Schmidt is looking to replace the Super Rugby coach if RA asks him to move to the Wallabies.

Whatever happens, there will be a coaching domino effect across the Australian rugby landscape over the next 12 months.

For a country in need of stability, everyone is on the fence until Schmidt reveals his future plans to Rugby Australia.