Former All Blacks assistant Joe Schmidt is a leading contender to replace Eddie Jones as head coach of Australia, according to reports.
Schmidt, who gained recognition for his successful stint as Ireland head coach, missed out on the 2023 World Cup title with New Zealand as one of Ian Foster’s deputies after defeat to the Springboks in France.
Both have parted ways with the All Blacks as Scott Robertson takes over as head coach.
Speaking on the Rugby Weekly Extra podcast, former Ireland performance analyst Eoin Toolan lauded Schmidt’s influence on New Zealand’s World Cup run and suggested a joint appointment with departing Irish Rugby Football Union boss David Nucifora.
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“I’ve got to say, I think the job Joe Schmidt did with New Zealand… I don’t think they’re making a World Cup final if Joe Schmidt doesn’t come in and bail out Ian Foster,” Toolan said.
“That would be an intriguing appointment, particularly if it was in tandem with David Nucifora. We saw the positive impact they had on Irish rugby.”
Dan McKellar and Stephen Larkham have also been touted as possible candidates.
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