Former Wallaby Mat Rogers has implored Rugby Australia to continue with its patient approach to replacing Joe Schmidt
In early February, RA announced Schmidt’s time as head coach would come to an end after the British and Irish Lions tour and final Bledisloe Cup fixture.
However, two months on, RA’s rigid process is clear with no announcement yet on a replacement.
Watch all the action from the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season on Stan Sport, the only place to watch every match ad free, live and on demand
Michael Cheika was spotted meeting with RA chief executive officer Phil Waugh, while names like Les Kiss, Dan McKellar and Stephen Larkham have all been mentioned. Former England coach Stuart Lancaster has also reportedly been in discussions.
Australia coach Joe Schmidt before the Autumn Nations Series match. Getty
Despite impatience seemingly growing, Rogers is glad there’s been a calm approach, adding the next coach will come into an ideal scenario.
“From the outside looking in at this situation, the next coach coming is probably going to be in the best position any Australian coach has come into over the last 15 or so years given the nature of Super Rugby, given the nature of where the Wallabies finished off last year and who know how they’re going to go this year,” he said on Stan Sport’s Inside Line.
“Is it something you really want to rush? I’m OK to just wait.”
READ MORE: Lockyer rejects ‘crazy’ contract ploy to lock up Haas
READ MORE: F1 star’s angry Ricciardo clash ‘changed mindset’
READ MORE: Selector urges DCE to make Origin call as No.7 dilemma looms
Justin Harrison explained the wait is all “part of due process” and agreed with Rogers that the next coach will be walking into a system where they’re ready to succeed.
“It’s the first time in a long time we’ve had an actual ramp into an announcement and it’s a kind of transition that’s not the end of someone walking out through controversial circumstances or sacked,” he said.
“… I think that RA are rightly following a very thorough process. I don’t think it’s taking a longer time because there’s a problem, they possibly shouldn’t have committed to a shorter time frame because they’re executing due diligence in this process.”
The former Wallaby did add he would be “surprised if Rugby Australia didn’t have a handle on who they have settled on as a head coach”.
