Rugby October 9, 2024

Joe Schmidt: Preparing The Wallabies for The British & Irish Lions

Joe Schmidt has been described as a rugby maestro, his CV is impressive and bears witness to an illustrious international coaching career, accompanied by many accolades from his coaching peers as well as those who played under him. Rugby Australia confirmed the New Zealander as the Wallabies coach on a two-year deal back in March 2024, with a contract that commits his services to the side beyond The British & Irish Lions Tour 2025 of Australia.

Among those many admirers is of course Ireland’s current head coach, Andy Farrell, also now in charge of The British & Irish Lions Tour 2025 of Australia. It was Farrell who recalled that stepping into Schmidt’s shoes to become Ireland boss was, ‘the biggest challenge of his career,’ saying at the time, “I’m proud and privileged to be asked to take over after such a brilliant coach like Joe.”

Almost inevitably, Joe Schmidt appears to have the Wallabies fired up again after a poor showing at the Rugby World Cup 2023, while Andy Farrell has worked wonders with Ireland since Schmidt’s departure. Two hugely respected coaches going head-to-head in a Test Series promises some tasty encounters, to ensure your place at this battle of the giants Down Under with Expat Sport, Click here.

Early Life and Education

Joe [Josef] Schmidt was born on September 12th, 1965, in a small town named Kawakawa, located in the Bay of Islands area of Northland, New Zealand, growing up in Woodville near Palmerston North. Schmidt attended Tararua College, graduating to train as a schoolteacher. He also played as a fly-half in domestic rugby, including 29 games in New Zealand’s provincial championship for Manawatu.

Early Coaching Career

In 1991, Schmidt took a gap year and decamped to Ireland with wife, Kellie, to coach the ‘minis’ teams (under-7 to 12) at Mullingar RFC in County Westmeath, while playing rugby in the Irish lower amateur leagues. He then returned to New Zealand to resume his academic career, teaching English and coaching rugby at high schools and colleges.

Schmidt’s coaching future began to evolve when he took on the role of New Zealand Schools coach. This led to a coaching position at Bay of Plenty Rugby from 2003 to 2004, during his tenure, he led the ‘Steamers’ to a historic Ranfurly Shield victory over Auckland in 2004.

Rise to Coaching Prominence

Joe Schmidt’s earlier achievements attracted the attention of Auckland-based Super Rugby side, Blues, where he served as an assistant coach from 2004 to 2007. On the back of this spell, Schmidt joined Clermont Auvergne in 2007, as a backs coach under Vern Cotter, enjoying further success in French rugby. Clermont reached the Top 14 finals twice, finally winning the competition on his watch in 2010.

Leinster Success

In 2010, Schmidt was appointed head coach at top Irish club Leinster, a move that would cement his reputation as one of the top rugby coaches in the world. Under his stewardship, Leinster made it to six finals and won four trophies in three years, encompassing the 2011 and 2012 Heineken Cups, the 2013 Challenge Cup, and the Pro12 title. The Joe Schmidt era at Leinster was distinguished by an exceptional win rate, with the Dublin side victorious in 77 out of 99 matches.

Ireland’s Golden Era

Schmidt’s success at Leinster fundamentally laid the foundation for his recruitment as head coach of the Ireland national team in 2013. His impact was instant and intense. Ireland won the Six Nations Championship in 2014, 2015, and 2018, achieving a Grand Slam in 2018. Under Joe Schmidt, Ireland also recorded their first-ever wins over New Zealand launching the team into the top spot in the World Rugby Rankings for the first time in their history in 2019.

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Challenges and Triumphs

For all the high-points, Schmidt’s time with Ireland was not without its setbacks. The team lost against Argentina in the 2015 Rugby World Cup and were left to reflect on a disheartening exit in the quarter-finals of the tournament. However, Schmidt’s ability to overcome adversity was evident as Ireland rebounded to secure some momentous victories, including their first-ever away win over South Africa in 2016 and their first win against New Zealand in Chicago later that same year.

Later Career

After stepping down as Ireland’s head coach in 2019, Schmidt headed home to New Zealand and a new assignment in the role of attack coach for the All Blacks from 2022 to 2023. During this period, his expertise was undoubtedly instrumental in reshaping the team’s strategies and performance.

In 2024, Schmidt was on the move again, this time to Australia as the head coach of the Wallabies, marking a fascinating new stage in his coaching journey. As ever Schmidt, calm, thoughtful and grounded, told press with typical honesty:

“I am conscious that the Wallabies have weathered a difficult period, and I am keen to help them build a way forward, with greater alignment and clear direction from RA. The program through to The British and Irish Lions Tour next year presents plenty of opportunities and challenges – which I am sure will invigorate players and staff.”

Legacy

Joe Schmidt is renowned for his scrupulous attention to detail and his ability to inspire and motivate players. His coaching philosophy embraces discipline, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the game. All factors combining into a serial legacy, characterised by his ability to transform teams and lead them through periods of extraordinary success. Schmidt’s contributions at Leinster, Ireland, and to the broader rugby community have already left his enduring signature on the sport. The rugby world eagerly awaits the next chapter in Schmidt’s remarkable sporting biography.

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