Having not been a head coach since leaving the Ireland job in 2019, Joe Schmidt is set to return to the hot seat over the coming months as he takes charge of Australia.
The 58-year old took some time out of the game after leaving his Irish post, before then joining New Zealand's backroom team. He would go on to help the All Blacks reach a World Cup final in 2023.
With Australian rugby currently in a dire state, he has been identified as the man that can help the Wallabies get back on track ahead of a Lions tour in 2025 and home World Cup in 2027.
Considering his track record of improving teams, it seems little doubt that he will help Australia compete at the highest level once again. That is something that is proving difficult to stomach for some of those in his home country.
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All Blacks legend on Australia's Joe Schmidt appointment
Joe Schmidt was given a huge amount of credit for New Zealand's performance in France last autumn, with many feeling that he was massively influential in helping them reach the decider.
That includes former All Blacks hooker Dane Coles, who retired at the end of that tournament.
Speaking to the press this week, he labelled Joe Schmidt's move to their great rivals as a 'kick in the guts'. He also gave the former Leinster coach a huge amount of credit for the team's performances towards the end of 2023.
When you have a guy that is in the All Black environment heading over, it’s kind of a kick in the guts.
But I’d rather see him coach as he still has a lot to give and is a great coach, so it’s good to see him put his hand up.
With Australia not doing too well at the World Cup, international rugby needs Aussie to be stronger, like they were. If he can do that, which I am sure he will get that team up to scratch, it will be awesome...
I reckon he was a massive influence in us kind of getting back in those last couple of years to international standard and being consistent in those games as well.
If he wasn’t there I don’t reckon we would have gotten into a final without him.
Some people associated with the Wallabies have already questioned this appointment, feeling that bringing in a Kiwi coach is not a wise move. However, it's clear how highly Joe Schmidt is rated by those who have worked with him in recent times.
Schmidt will take charge of Australia for the first time later this year and it will be interesting to see if he can have an immediate impact on the team's fortunes.
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