After the World Cup draw in December, Schmidt was asked if he considered staying on in some capacity at the tournament.
“Not at this stage,” he said. “It’s over at the end of July and I’ve enjoyed the group immensely. They’ve worked really hard for what they’ve got and it’s going to be hard to leave and leave them with what I believe is a good thing.”
Allan Alaalatoa (second from left) poses with Maurice Longbottom, Kaitlan Leaney and Charlotte Caslick at the Allianz Stadium in their new Castore-made kits.
Credit: Max Mason-Hubers
Schmidt said he and Kiss are good friends “so we would always talk anyway” and there is a quiet confidence among some in Australian rugby that the Kiwi coach will be ready to rejoin the Wallabies in 2027 after a break. Schmidt is notoriously unpredictable when it comes to his plans.
Unveiling Rugby Australia’s new kit sponsor Castore, RA boss Phil Waugh said: “I can’t answer the question for Joe, but we’ve been very pleased with what he’s contributed to Australian rugby and look forward to closing out the final three Tests against Ireland, France and Italy.
Alaalatoa also welcomed the signing of Kangaroos star Angus Crichton this week and said the Rooster would help drive the rugby competition. The veteran, who will miss the start of Super Rugby Pacific next month with a back injury, has urged players competing with the league recruit for a spot to respond positively.
Loading
As seen with Joseph-Aukus Suaalii and Carter Gordon, Waugh suggested Crichton would be considered for an immediate call-up to the Wallabies’ Spring Tour squad at the end of October, after completing his NRL season.
“I don’t want to speak for the selectors and coaches but I think there’s a sensible transition to hit the marks we want to hit and our aspirations for the Rugby World Cup, the longer the squad is together and we build cohesion and combinations, the better prepared we’ll be,” Waugh said.
“So I think naturally you would look at when the NRL season finishes and then make sure he is fit and ready to go when the opportunity comes.
Waugh said the RA had been focused on recruiting league players in recent years, with a focus on those with rugby experience.
Zac Lomax doesn’t fit that profile, and even though he received offers from the Brumbies and the Force, RA didn’t hesitate to offer substantial fees. Lomax playing rugby remains a possibility, especially given the legal issues he faces in his attempts to return to the NRL, but it is increasingly unlikely.
Leave a Reply