From Wallabies to Waratahs? Schmidt emerges as option for a NSW coaching role

July 24, 2026 — 7:30pm

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Could Joe Schmidt go from the Wallabies to the Waratahs in 2027? That’s the question spinning around rugby circles at the moment as Rugby Australia continue their search for a new coach for the struggling NSW franchise.

The Tahs’ head coach job is currently vacant following the reluctant resignation of Dan McKellar last month, with one year left on his three-year contract.

An assortment of good Australian coaches are in the frame, including Stephen Hoiles, Chris Latham, John Manenti, Chris Whitaker and Zak Beer, but another radical option being considered by Rugby Australia involves Schmidt coaching at the Tahs in 2027.

According to multiple informed sources, one path being considered at RA (who own the Waratahs) is appointing an interim coach next year, which would allow for the recruitment of a big-name coach involved at the 2027 Rugby World Cup who would then take over for 2028 and beyond.

Schmidt’s name has been floated for such an interim role, according to the sources, and the ex-Wallabies coach potentially landing at Daceyville has even been a topic of discussion inside the Waratahs’ gym this week.

Schmidt and RA head of high-performance Peter Horne, who is a key figure in the Waratahs’ coach search, have a tight relationship as former colleagues at World Rugby. It was Horne who persuaded Schmidt to take over as the new Wallabies coach in 2004, initially only for 18 months.

Having extended his contract several times, Schmidt finished up with the Wallabies last week and after some leave in Ireland, will be returning to help out on the coaching staff of Australia “A” on their two-game tour of the USA in October.

Schmidt has said repeatedly he doesn’t envisage himself coaching next year, particularly when Irish journalists asked earlier in July if he was interested in returning to powerhouse club Leinster.

Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh has not hidden his desire to keep Schmidt involved in Australian rugby during the World Cup year, and even said in early 2025 they were prepared to be “creative”. But Waugh said recently discussions with Schmidt about his future were not due to be........

© Brisbane Times