Joe Schmidt’s departure from the Wallabies will not spell the end of his involvement in Australian rugby, with the outgoing head coach confirmed as part of a high-powered Australia A coaching group led by ACT Brumbies boss Stephen Larkham.

Rugby Australia announced on Friday that Larkham will take charge of the second-tier programme in 2026, with Schmidt and Western Force head coach Simon Cron completing the coaching ticket. The appointment ensures Schmidt, widely regarded as one of rugby’s most astute tactical minds, remains embedded in the Australian system ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil.

Schmidt will conclude his time as Wallabies head coach after the Nations Championship Test against Italy in Perth on July 18, handing the reins to Les Kiss. The New Zealander had initially planned to step away at the end of the 2025 Rugby Championship before extending his tenure to accommodate Kiss finishing his commitments with the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby Pacific.

The 60-year-old has been open about his desire to spend more time with his family, particularly his son Luke, who has severe epilepsy. He is expected to return to Ireland for several months after the July handover before pulling on the Australian coaching kit once more for the Australia A campaign.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Australia A are set to embark on a two-game tour of the United States in October, reportedly facing the USA Eagles, who have already qualified for the 2027 World Cup. The full fixture list is expected to be confirmed later this month.

While the move from Wallabies head coach to Australia A assistant might appear a demotion on paper, it is a deliberate and calculated choice. Schmidt served as a senior assistant to Ian Foster’s All Blacks in 2022 and 2023, helping guide New Zealand to the World Cup final, and has never been one to let ego dictate his decision-making. Those close to the situation suggest he is highly conscious of allowing Kiss to take full ownership of the Wallabies without his presence clouding the picture.

The appointment nonetheless keeps open the tantalising possibility of Schmidt taking up a more formal role with the Wallabies in 2027. Rugby Australia has been eager to retain his services in some capacity through to the home World Cup, though the coach has stopped short of committing to anything beyond being available as a sounding board for his successor.

Schmidt’s record across more than 100 Tests as head coach of Ireland and Australia — in addition to senior roles with the All Blacks, Leinster, the Blues and ASM Clermont Auvergne — makes him one of the most decorated coaches in the professional era. His three Six Nations titles and a Grand Slam with Ireland, along with the transformation of a Wallabies side left in ruins after the 2023 World Cup, underline the scale of expertise he brings to the Australia A environment.

Larkham earns top job after sustained coaching success

Larkham, meanwhile, earns the top job as recognition of his sustained excellence across a 16-year coaching career. The former Wallabies fly-half, who won 102 Test caps and was part of Australia’s 1999 World Cup-winning squad, has built an impressive CV since hanging up his boots. His coaching journey began at the Brumbies in 2011 as an assistant before he was elevated to the head coach role in 2014. He served as Wallabies attack coach from 2015 to 2019, a period that included Australia’s run to the 2015 World Cup final, before a three-year stint as senior coach at Munster in Ireland.

Since returning to the Brumbies in 2022, Larkham has guided the Canberra-based franchise to two Super Rugby Pacific semi-final appearances, most recently being eliminated in the qualifying finals.

“Australia A is a crucial bridge between Super Rugby and Test rugby,” Larkham said. “It gives players the opportunity to experience the demands of an international programme while continuing their development in a high-performance environment. There is some outstanding talent coming through Australian rugby and it’s exciting to work with players who have the potential to become future Wallabies.”

Cron rounds out the coaching group fresh from leading the Force to their best season in 12 years, winning five of their last six matches in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. The experienced coach recently re-signed with the Perth-based franchise for the 2027 season.

Building depth ahead of 2027

Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance, Peter Horne, framed the appointments as central to the organisation’s World Cup preparation strategy.

“We are pleased to have assembled a highly credentialed and experienced Australia A coaching staff for this year,” Horne said. “To have Stephen, Simon and Joe driving this programme will ensure our next cohort of players get access to an elite-level environment where they have the opportunity to grow and develop their games. With the home World Cup firmly on the horizon, building genuine depth is one of our key priorities, and this campaign will allow us to do exactly that.”

The Australia A programme has become an increasingly important pillar of Rugby Australia’s high-performance pathway since its return from a 14-year absence in 2022. The team has recorded six wins and a draw from 11 matches, with previous campaigns taking in tours to Japan, Fiji for the Pacific Nations Cup, and the United Kingdom for fixtures against England A and the Bristol Bears.

By exposing a broader pool of players to an elite-level environment, the programme is designed to bridge the gap between domestic Super Rugby Pacific competition and the demands of Test rugby — a gap that has historically been one of Australian rugby’s most persistent weaknesses.

The strength of this year’s coaching ticket sends a clear signal about the seriousness with which Rugby Australia is approaching the task. With Schmidt’s tactical acumen, Larkham’s development pedigree and Cron’s recent Super Rugby success, Australia A’s next cohort of aspiring Wallabies will have access to a coaching brain trust few second-tier programmes anywhere in the world could rival.

For Schmidt, it represents one more chapter in what has been a remarkable, if unconventional, relationship with Australian rugby. For Larkham, it is another step in a coaching trajectory that appears destined, sooner or later, for the very top of the game.

Sydney Roosters and Kangaroos star Angus Crichton will return to rugby union in 2027, signing a two-year deal with the NSW Waratahs and Rugby Australia as he pursues his childhood dream of representing the Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil.

The 29-year-old backrower confirmed his code switch on Wednesday, becoming the latest high-profile NRL player to join the exodus to rugby union ahead of Australia’s hosting of the global tournament. Crichton will complete the 2026 NRL season with the Roosters before linking up with the Waratahs, where he will reunite with former teammate Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.

The move represents a homecoming of sorts for Crichton, who starred in rugby union during his schoolboy years at Scots College, representing Australian Schoolboys in 2014 as a centre and number eight. His journey to this point has been circuitous – turning down a Waratahs academy contract to sign with South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2016, going on to play 198 NRL matches, winning a premiership with the Roosters in 2019, and establishing himself as an elite representative player with 17 State of Origin appearances for NSW and 11 Test caps for the Kangaroos.

Crichton’s decorated rugby league career includes winning the prestigious Wally Lewis Medal as State of Origin player of the series in 2024, whilst he also featured for Australia on their 2025 Ashes Tour. His consistent excellence at the highest level – maintaining above 90 per cent tackle efficiency in eight of his 10 seasons – has made him one of rugby league’s premier forwards.

“It’s incredibly exciting to be returning to the sport I played throughout my childhood,” Crichton said in a statement released by Rugby Australia. “Growing up in Young, I have great memories driving up on buses to Canberra with the other farmers and their families for the Tahs-Brumbies game every year. To have a chance to play in the same Waratahs jersey as Lote Tuqiri, my favourite rugby player as a kid, is something special. I grew up with a Wallabies jersey and poster on my wall and my dream was to one day represent them.”

The signing represents a significant coup for Rugby Australia, which has been strategically targeting rugby league players with previous union experience who can quickly adapt to the 15-man game. Crichton’s deal, reported to be worth approximately £325,000 per season, includes a get-out clause following the 2027 World Cup, providing flexibility for both player and organisation.

Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh welcomed the acquisition enthusiastically. “We are thrilled to be bringing Angus back to rugby ahead of a momentous 2027 season, highlighted by a once-in-a-generation home Rugby World Cup,” Waugh stated. “Angus excelled as a rugby player through the schoolboy and junior ranks and we believe he will make a strong contribution to the performance and culture of Australian Rugby. He has developed into an elite talent and leader in rugby league and now has the opportunity to showcase his talent on the unique global platform that rugby provides.”

The tactical positioning of Crichton within the Wallabies structure presents intriguing possibilities. At 102 kilograms, the powerful ball-runner possesses the physical attributes and offloading ability that could translate effectively to inside centre, following the template established by Sonny Bill Williams when he successfully transitioned from rugby league backrower to union midfielder. Alternatively, Crichton could be deployed as a ball-carrying flanker or number eight, utilising his edge running skills developed in rugby league.

Waratahs head coach Dan McKellar expressed confidence in Crichton’s ability to adapt. “We’re pleased to add someone of Angus’ calibre to the Waratahs for 2027,” McKellar said. “He’s the ultimate professional who will bring a high level of physicality and edge to the group. With his rugby union background, I’m sure he’ll be able to adapt quickly and will be raring to go when he arrives.”

Should Crichton establish himself at inside centre, it could facilitate tactical flexibility for the Wallabies, potentially allowing John Eales medallist Len Ikitau to return to his preferred number 13 jersey, whilst freeing Suaalii to operate at fullback or wing where his exceptional aerial skills could be maximised.

However, Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance Peter Horne will be mindful of the cautionary tale of Sam Burgess, whose ill-fated switch from rugby league prop to England’s inside centre for the 2015 Rugby World Cup ended with the hosts’ pool-stage elimination and Burgess’s swift return to league. The contrasting success of Ben Te’o, who thrived for Leinster and England after making a similar transition, demonstrates the unpredictability of such moves.

Peter Horne emphasised the strategic importance of the signing. “The signing of Angus is an important step as we continue to build depth across Australia’s Super Rugby Pacific squads and ensure internal competition for national selection,” he explained. “Angus has a deep connection with rugby union as a former Australian Schoolboys representative and has consistently played at the highest level in league. We’re looking forward to bringing him back to rugby and introducing his unique experiences and skillset into our environment from next season.”

Crichton’s return to rugby union comes during a significant period of cross-code movement. His Roosters teammate Mark Nawaqanitawase has signed to play in Japan’s League One competition in 2027, also positioning himself for World Cup selection, whilst speculation regarding Zac Lomax’s potential code switch appears to have cooled after Rugby Australia declined to offer substantial top-up payments. Lomax now seems likely to remain in the NRL with Melbourne Storm.

The 2027 Rugby World Cup on Australian soil represents a unique opportunity for Rugby Australia to capitalise on home advantage and national interest. The recruitment strategy focusing on players with rugby union backgrounds who can transition quickly reflects a pragmatic approach from Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss and current coach Joe Schmidt.

For Crichton, the decision represents the fulfilment of a long-held ambition. He came close to switching codes in 2023, nearly signing with the Western Force, and has maintained friendships within rugby circles. His attendance at Wallabies matches during their 2024 Spring Tour in Europe signalled his continuing interest in the 15-man game.

“I am pleased to have confirmed my plans for beyond this season and look forward to fully focusing on the campaign ahead with my teammates and family at the Roosters,” Crichton concluded, making clear his commitment to finishing his rugby league career strongly before embarking on his union adventure.

As Crichton prepares for his final NRL season, Australian rugby union supporters will eagerly anticipate his return to the code where he first made his mark, hopeful that his elite athleticism, big-game experience and rural roots – those bus trips from Young to Canberra – will translate into Wallabies success when it matters most in 2027.Claude is AI and can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.

Wallabies captain Nick Champion de Crespigny led a new-look Australian side to a hard-fought 19-15 victory over Japan at Tokyo’s National Stadium on Saturday, as the visitors were forced to show tremendous resilience in the opening match of their northern hemisphere tour.

Key moments

14′ – Nick Champion de Crespigny try after tap penalty, Tane Edmed converts (0-7)
29′ – Seungsin Lee penalty goal (3-7)
30′ – Josh Flook try from backline move, Tane Edmed converts (3-14)
Half-time: Japan 3-14 Wallabies
55′ – Shuhei Takeuchi try, conversion missed (8-14)
58′ – Carlo Tizzano try from rolling maul, conversion missed (8-19)
62′ – Ben Gunter try, Seungsin Lee converts (15-19)
Full-time: Japan 15-19 Wallabies

Joe Schmidt’s experimental side featuring 13 changes from their last outing against New Zealand began their five-Test tour with a gruelling battle against Eddie Jones’ determined Brave Blossoms in treacherous conditions at the National Stadium in Tokyo.

A 𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩 in Tokyo.

Thanks for the battle, @JRFURugby 🤝#Wallabies pic.twitter.com/wqudy3BNyr

— Wallabies (@wallabies) October 25, 2025

The match began in challenging weather, with humid, rainy conditions making ball handling difficult for both sides. Japan started stronger, with hooker Hayate Era landing several monster hits to rattle the visitors early. Within minutes, the Wallabies were forced into an early reshuffle when lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto departed with a rib injury after just five minutes, bringing Josh Canham into the fray earlier than expected.

The Wallabies steadied and began to build pressure. Champion de Crespigny broke the deadlock in the 14th minute, burrowing over from close range after a botched Japanese lineout. The try came from intelligent decision-making by the new skipper, who opted for a quick tap penalty near the line. Tane Edmed added the conversion for a 7-0 lead.

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Disaster struck for the Wallabies in the 22nd minute when replacement lock Canham was “knocked out cold” and forced from the field, leaving them desperately short in the second row. Champion de Crespigny found himself packing down in the second row as Jeremy Williams became “the last lock standing” in Schmidt’s words.

Japan looked threatening after a few passages in Australian territory, and a penalty to Seungsin Lee in the 29th minute got them on the board at 7-3. The Wallabies responded immediately through a well-worked backline move. Hunter Paisami broke the line with an angled charge and found Edmed inside. Fullback Andrew Kellaway then loomed on the angle and offloaded to Queensland centre Josh Flook who raced away to score under the posts in the 30th minute. Edmed’s conversion extended the lead to 14-3.

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Despite dominating possession and territory for the remainder of the half, the Wallabies couldn’t extend their lead as Western Force flanker Carlo Tizzano was denied three separate try-scoring opportunities. The visitors took their 11-point advantage into the break.

Japan emerged from halftime with renewed purpose as rain continued to fall in Tokyo. Eddie Jones had clearly delivered one of his infamous half-time addresses, as the Brave Blossoms played with new vigour. The hosts dominated the third quarter and were rewarded when prop Shuhei Takeuchi crashed over in the 55th minute following a neat interchange at the back of a lineout, reducing the deficit to 14-8.

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Carlo Tizzano finally got his reward for a persistent display three minutes later, the Western Force openside crossing from a powerful rolling maul to restore Australia’s 11-point cushion at 19-8. The conversion attempt from Edmed drifted wide in the difficult conditions.

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Just as the Wallabies appeared to have secured control, Japan struck back through Queensland-born flanker Ben Gunter in the 62nd minute, with Lee’s conversion bringing the hosts within four points at 19-15. The try came moments after Aiden Ross entered the fray, becoming just the fifth player in history to represent both Australia and New Zealand at Test level after playing for the All Blacks in 2021.

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The final quarter became a test of character for the depleted Wallabies as Japan threw everything at them in the pouring rain. Tom Robertson became the third Australian to leave the field through injury, further compounding Schmidt’s selection headaches with England looming next weekend.

With ten minutes remaining, Kippei Ishida broke clear, forcing desperate defence from the visitors. Japan could smell a boilover as they chased their first ever victory over Australia in seven Tests across 50 years. However, a crucial turnover by Hamish Stewart and Hunter Paisami with two minutes left allowed the Wallabies to wind down the clock and escape with a hard-earned four-point victory.

“I don’t think it needed to be that tense,” Schmidt reflected afterwards. “But sometimes that’s the way it goes and you’ve got to just work your way back and go again. I really admired the grit. We actually had to really roll our sleeves up and keep fighting for that one. In those conditions, it was just about what we managed to do.”

For Japan, captain Warner Dearns found some positives despite the defeat. “It was a very disappointing game but the scoreline was close and we should take pride in that,” he said. “I thought it was a good fight.”

Even Jones, facing the Wallabies for the first time since his controversial departure after the 2023 World Cup, offered praise for his former team’s resilience.

“I think it’s really good that Australia’s rising to become a world power again,” Jones said. “The big thing they’ve really developed, the young players, is their ability to stay in the game and keep fighting, not get disappointed with the game. And as a result, they’re in every game.”

The victory snaps a three-game losing streak for the Wallabies and maintains their perfect record against Japan. However, the win comes at a cost with Salakaia-Loto, Canham and Robertson all in doubt for next weekend’s clash with England at Twickenham.

Schmidt’s gamble to rest key personnel such as Fraser McReight, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Max Jorgensen ultimately paid off, though the performance revealed both promising depth and concerning vulnerabilities in the Australian squad as they prepare for tougher assignments on their five-Test northern tour.