The Wallabies have suffered a seismic blow as popular coach Joe Schmidt has confirmed he will step down towards the end of 2025, with Perth’s Bledisloe Cup clash to be his swansong.

Schmidt, who only took over the Wallabies role after the 2023 Rugby World Cup debacle, has told Rugby Australia he will step aside after the Rugby Championship.

His departure will leave the Wallabies hunting for a fifth coach in six years and comes after a 2024 season in which Schmidt significantly repaired faith in the jersey following a tumultuous previous year.

Schmidt signed a contract with Rugby Australia in early 2024, which is set to expire after their third and final match against the British and Irish Lions in August.

While negotiations between the two parties to extend his stay had been ongoing, Schmidt has only agreed to stay on until after their annual four-team tournament against New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina.

The Kiwi’s wife and son live back home in New Zealand, and his son Luke lives with severe epilepsy, meaning Schmidt often commutes between the two countries.

Rugby Australia director of high-performance Peter Horne said they would now commence a process to recruit the Wallabies’ next Head Coach, with a view to start in the Wallabies’ late-October friendly against Japan in Tokyo.

“We are delighted Joe will continue to coach the Wallabies beyond his current contract,” Horne said.

“Joe expressed to us that he was enjoying his work with the Wallabies while also making clear his need to spend more time at home with his family.”

It comes as the Wallabies prepare for the challenge of a once-every-12-years tour against the visiting British and Irish Lions in July and August.

“The British and Irish Lions is our immediate focus but, with the Rugby Championship following so closely after the Lions Series, I understand the need for continuity heading into two away Test matches against South Africa,” Schmidt said.

Rugby Australia Chief Executive Phil Waugh thanked Schmidt for extending his commitment to the Wallabies.

“Joe’s drive, knowledge and work ethic have been instrumental in restoring pride in the Wallabies jersey and energising supporters around the country ahead of an extraordinary runway of major events that starts with the arrival of the British & Irish Lions in June.

“We are pleased that Joe has extended his involvement with the Wallabies beyond his initial contract and look forward to beginning the process of recruiting his successor.”

After their horrific 2023 World Cup campaign, which saw the Wallabies knocked out in the group stage and coach Eddie Jones depart after less than a year in the job, the national team made significant strides under Schmidt.

He blooded several debutants and regenerated the squad, while the likes of Fraser McReight and Tom Wright took their games to a new level under the former Ireland coach.

Western Force stars Jeremy Williams, Carlo Tizzano, Harry Potter and Hamish Stewart all received Wallabies debuts under Schmidt, who oversaw an away win over world no. 5 Argentina, a famous, last-gasp victory over England at Twickenham, three comprehensive wins over Wales over the course of the year and a valiant defeat to world no. 2 Ireland.