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 has agreed to continue as head coach of the Wallabies until after the 2025 Rugby Championship to allow Rugby Australia time to find a replacement. Schmidt replaced Eddie Jones as head coach after Australia’s dismal performance at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Joe Schmidt has made a call on his Wallabies position as head coach, set to depart the post after the Rugby Championship. Schmidt was initially contracted until the British and Irish Lions but will stay the extra months as the side moves into the new era, ironically beginning with a Test against Eddie Jones' Japan, the man Schmidt replaced