Wallabies unfazed by Schmidt contract decision as Sydney camp concludes

Fri, Jan 10, 2025, 1:45 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Wallabies are willing to give Joe Schmidt, with the coach yet to make a call on his future. Photo: Julius Dimataga/RA Media
The Wallabies are willing to give Joe Schmidt, with the coach yet to make a call on his future. Photo: Julius Dimataga/RA Media

The Wallabies are comfortable waiting for coach Joe Schmidt as he weighs up whether to continue coaching after the British and Irish Lions.

Schmidt was only brought in on a short-term deal after the departure of Eddie Jones until the blockbuster series.

Watch every game of the British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia live, exclusive and on-demand via Stan Sport.

This was largely down to the 59-year-old wanting to spend more time at home with his family, with son Luke suffering from epilepsy.

The former Irish boss had been initially expected to make a call by last month and whilst the Wallabies return to camp with no decision, they know they'll get an answer when Schmidt's mind is made.

"We know that's going on in the background and he's very honest, very upfront, so I'm sure he'll let us know when the decision has been made," assistant coach Geoff Parling told Rugby.com.au

"The way he coaches, it's simple and very consistent. It's the best way to prepare a team I believe, I'm very aligned to the way we do things.

"It's been enjoyable mate and I think if you look at the players, you look at the group, I think they're enjoying it too."

The Wallabies playing group were glowing in their assessment of Schmidt after his work in turning around their fortunes in 2024.

“What he’s done is a phenomenal job," scrumhalf Nic White "I really appreciate him and the other coaches and what they’ve done over a short period of time, but everything’s about the Lions from here on.

“We haven’t spoken about (his future) but that, and what we need to do to get that right. I’m just very appreciative of him coming in and helping us out. 

"If it works out that we get him a little bit longer, unreal, but if not, how good has it been? That’s something we don’t talk about, no.”

“Before every single game, he always comes up to me and just says to back myself. Hearing that just before I go on the field, it’s pretty cool,” flyhalf Noah Lolesio added. 

“He’s very detailed in his approach and very ball orientated. He’s pushing not just myself, but the whole squad as well to be better. He’s been great.”

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