Joe Schmidt cools Leinster talk as Wallabies handover nears

Joe Schmidt has said he is not looking to continue as a head coach once his Australia tenure ends, and he has also indicated that a Leinster return is not currently on his agenda. Les Kiss is due to take over the Wallabies after Australia’s Nations Championship matches against Ireland, France and Italy this month.

Schmidt’s comments matter because his name naturally carries weight in both Irish and European rugby. He previously led Ireland to three Six Nations titles, including the 2018 Grand Slam, and earlier enjoyed major success with Leinster, winning consecutive European Cups during a three-year spell.

Leinster will have their own succession question after Leo Cullen steps down at the end of the 2026-27 season, but Schmidt framed that possibility as unlikely for now. He noted the province’s strength and consistency, while also pointing out that his son already works there.

For Australia, the immediate focus is the transition to Kiss. Schmidt suggested the squad is increasingly ready to take more ownership, with his final fixtures offering one last chance to support that handover before he steps away and travels to Ireland in August for family reasons.