All Blacks: Joe Schmidt makes a decision on his coaching future

Jared Wright
Former Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has ruled himself out of the running to replace Ian Foster as the All Blacks coach after the 2023 Rugby World Cup scott robertson jamie joseph ian foster

England head coach Eddie Jones (left) and New Zealand assistant coach Joe Schmidt on the pitch before the Autumn International at Twickenham Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday November 19, 2022.

Former Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has ruled himself out of the running to replace Ian Foster as the All Blacks boss after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand Rugby is set to unveil who will be the next head coach by mid-April, and Schmidt has joined Foster in confirming that they will not apply for the job.

Schmidt’s coaching record

Schmidt coached Ireland to record highs during his tenure in charge of the side between 2013 and 2019.

In seven years in the role, he clinched three Six Nations titles – including a Grand Slam in 2018.

He also led them to their first-ever wins over New Zealand, the first in Chicago in 2016 and the second in Dublin in 2018.

After the World Cup, he took up a role within World Rugby before joining Super Rugby side the Blues, eventually linking up with the All Blacks coaching staff as a selector in late 2021.

He was later promoted to an assistant coaching role midway through 2022.

Last week it was reported that Schmidt had not yet thrown his hat in the ring for the position but that he had left the door open.

A popular figure with the players, it is understood that several senior players queried whether Schmidt would apply for the job or be involved with the All Blacks post the World Cup.

“I won’t be applying for any coaching roles”

However, the 57-year-old has poured cold water over the rumours with a brief statement ruling himself out of the running for the position.

“I have really enjoyed being back on the grass coaching with the Blues and the All Blacks,” he said.

“I very much appreciate those opportunities, but presented with a condensed time frame this year; I won’t be applying for any coaching roles that extend beyond the Rugby World Cup.

“In the shorter term, I will work hard to support the All Blacks in 2023.”

His statement confirms that he will not apply for the head coaching role. It also adds that he will not put his name forward as an assistant coach for Jamie Joseph or Scott Robertson.

Crusaders boss Robertson is the favourite to take charge of the All Blacks in 2024 after missing out on the role to Foster in 2020. He has won six Super Rugby titles in his six years in charge of the Crusaders. However, his side have endured an uncharacteristic start to their 2023 campaign, falling to defeats to the Chiefs in Christchurch and Fijian Drua in Lautoka.

Meanwhile, former Highlanders boss Joseph boasts more international experience. He took charge of Japan from Eddie Jones in 2016 and led the side at their home Rugby World Cup in 2019.

There they became the first Asian side to reach the tournament’s quarter-finals, beating Scotland and Ireland en route to the knockout stages.

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