Joe Schmidt departs as Australia's rugby head coach in October

Joe Schmidt will conclude his tenure as head coach of the Australian Wallabies in October, after this year's Rugby Championship, rejecting opportunities to extend his contract until the 2027 World Cup. Schmidt, who took over following Australia's disappointing performance at the 2023 World Cup, has positively influenced the team's performance during his short time, prompting Rugby Australia to seek his continued leadership. However, Schmidt expressed a desire to prioritize family commitments in New Zealand over an extended coaching role. Rugby Australia will now begin the search for a new head coach, with Peter Horne leading the recruitment process. The departure marks a continued cycle of coaching changes for the Wallabies, as they have now had four coaches in as many years. Schmidt's contract was originally set to end after the British and Irish Lions Tour, but he agreed to stay on for the Rugby Championship.