Schmidt rules out Leinster return after Australia exit

Joe Schmidt has ruled out a return to Leinster and has confirmed that he has no plans to extend his international coaching career following his exit as the Australia boss. The 60-year-old coach will step down after leading the Wallabies through their upcoming Nations Championship fixtures against Ireland, France, and Italy, which will conclude later this month. Schmidt has said, "I don’t really have any ambition to keep coaching as a head coach or anything else. I don’t feel like I need to be a head coach, and I certainly don’t need to be a national head coach."

During his six-year tenure as Ireland's head coach, Schmidt enjoyed considerable success, securing three Six Nations titles, including the prestigious Grand Slam in 2018. Although he previously claimed back-to-back European Cups in a three-year stint with Leinster before taking charge of the Ireland team in 2013, Schmidt indicated that he is not interested in succeeding Leo Cullen as the head coach of Leinster when he steps down at the end of the 2026-27 season.

"They’ve already got my son working for them, so I don’t think they need the whole family," Schmidt remarked with a smile. He acknowledged the competitiveness and consistency of Leinster, stating, "I think Leinster are a juggernaut. I know silverware in Europe is the massive benchmark for them, but they’ve done everything but that."

When asked if he would consider the Leinster position if approached, he reiterated, "Not at the moment." He emphasized his commitment to the Wallabies during their final matches, mentioning that he is focused on helping the team grow before his departure.

"I feel like they are great. I feel like I can take a few steps back, and they can really lead themselves now," Schmidt asserted. He mentioned his plans to visit Ireland on 10 August to see his new grandson, noting that he will not be involved in coaching at that time. "I’ll be looking forward to that heatwave!" Schmidt concluded.