Imagine the awkwardness: Wallabies players dread the possibility of facing their current coach, Joe Schmidt, on the opposing sideline at the 2027 Rugby World Cup! They're hoping he'll remain involved with Australian rugby, even after handing the reins to Les Kiss. But here's where it gets controversial... what if Schmidt is lured back to the All Blacks, potentially coaching against the very team he's currently leading?
Following Scott Robertson's departure, New Zealand Rugby (NZRU) is on the hunt for a new All Blacks coach, and Schmidt's name is definitely in the mix. Other contenders include Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph and former Wallabies boss Dave Rennie. The NZRU plans to start interviewing candidates next month, setting the stage for a potentially dramatic shift in the rugby landscape.
Now, it seems improbable that Schmidt would become the head coach of the All Blacks, considering he's still committed to coaching the Wallabies through July, before Kiss takes over. The schedule even has the Kiwis playing the same three opponents as the Wallabies – France, Ireland, and Italy – in the same month as part of the new Nations Championship. Talk about a tight turnaround!
And this is the part most people miss... While a head coach role might be a stretch, the possibility of Schmidt returning to the All Blacks in a high-performance or senior advisory capacity, similar to his role under Ian Foster in 2022-23, is very real. The NZRU is reportedly keen on mending fences and bringing experienced figures like Schmidt, Rennie, and Joseph back into the fold. It's like a rugby reunion, but with potentially high stakes on the World Cup stage.
Veteran Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa expressed the team's sentiments, stating, "It kind of doesn’t surprise me that his name’s been thrown up because he’s such a world-class coach… he’s committed to us for the first three Test matches of the year." He emphasized the players' deep respect for Schmidt and their desire for him to continue contributing to Australian rugby in some capacity.
Australia and New Zealand are already slated to clash in the pool rounds of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Alaalatoa admitted it would feel “weird” to have Schmidt coaching against them, highlighting the team's appreciation for his hard work, dedication, and sacrifices. He stated the team wants to "go out there and perform for him, purely knowing how much work he puts in behind the scenes, some sleepless nights, trying to think about how he runs the program or how he runs the next day, but also due to the commitment that he’s made and the sacrifice that he makes for being away from his family."
Back in December, after the World Cup draw, Schmidt himself remained noncommittal about staying involved beyond July. "Not at this stage," he said. "At the end of July is when I finish, and I’ve just hugely enjoyed the group… it will be tough to walk away." However, he also mentioned his close friendship with Les Kiss, suggesting ongoing communication regardless of his future role.
There's a quiet optimism within Rugby Australia that Schmidt might be open to re-engaging with the Wallabies in some capacity in 2027, after a well-deserved break. But Schmidt is notoriously tight-lipped about his plans, leaving everyone guessing.
Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh echoed this sentiment, saying, "I can’t answer the question for Joe, but we’ve been very pleased with what he’s contributed to Australian rugby, and we look forward to closing out those last three tests against Ireland, France, and Italy."
In other news, Alaalatoa welcomed the signing of Kangaroos star Angus Crichton, predicting he'll boost competition within the Wallabies squad. Waugh also hinted that Crichton, like Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Carter Gordon before him, could be fast-tracked into the Wallabies' Spring Tour squad after his NRL season concludes. He emphasized that the goal is to build team cohesion and combinations leading up to the Rugby World Cup, suggesting a carefully managed transition for league recruits. Waugh clarified that RA's recruitment strategy focuses on league players with a background in rugby.
Zac Lomax, who doesn't fit that profile, has received offers from the Brumbies and the Force, but RA hasn't offered significant financial incentives to lure him. While Lomax playing rugby remains a possibility, his legal troubles in the NRL make it increasingly unlikely.
So, what do you think? Should Rugby Australia be doing more to keep Joe Schmidt involved? Is it ethical for a coach to potentially switch sides so close to a major tournament? And how much of a difference can a league convert like Angus Crichton really make in such a short timeframe? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
