In a major blow for Australian rugby, Joe Schmidt has confirmed he will not steer the Wallabies through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup at home.

The decision Australian rugby fans expected, but still feared, was finally revealed on Thursday afternoon. So who is best placed to replace Joe Schmidt?

Joe Schmidt will step down as Wallabies coach at the end of this year’s Rugby Championship in a blow to Australia’s hopes in the 2027 World Cup. The Kiwi confirmed on Thursday he would extend his contract beyond the British and Irish Lions tour, but won’t continue through to the showpiece tournament on home soil.