Larkham walks away from Wallabies race as two-man battle looms

Les Kiss is believed to be the only Australian candidate still in the mix to succeed Joe Schmidt as Wallabies coach after Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham chose to stay in Canberra in the hope of driving the Super Rugby franchise to a drought-breaking title.Although Reds mentor Kiss had long been pencilled in as the favourite to succeed Schmidt, and even confirmed last month that he had spoken to Rugby Australia twice about the role, much less was known about Larkham’s ambitions. Waratahs coach Dan McKellar has regularly insisted he’s not in the running for the role.

While Larkham insisted in early February he was “focussed on the Brumbies” and wanted to “see through” his two-year deal through to the end of 2026, The Roar understands the governing body sounded out the former playmaker’s desire for the top job in Australian rugby last month.But after much consideration, the deep thinker chose to keep his powder dry and throw all his attention into driving the Brumbies forward.Coach Stephen Larkham of the Brumbies.



(Photo by Rob Jefferies/Getty Images)Why the 50-year-old withdrew remains unclear, but it’s understood the short runway into the home World Cup played a factor.Indeed, with Schmidt to bow out in October, it means the next coach will have less than two years to prepare for the home 2027 World Cup.It’s also believed that Larkham doesn’t feel like he’s quite ready for the role, having been thrown in the deep end as a head coach in 2014 when then Brumbies coach Jake White sensationally pulled the pin and left the Super Rugby franchise.

More RugbyWallabies star quits Australian rugby, Schmidt faces huge call on No.10 to face LionsLarkham walks away from Wallabies race as two-man battle loomsIs Larkham behind Lolesio’s struggles? Brumbies coach's Irish experience might provide a clueAustralia's Super Rugby success: Is it just a flattering illusion or can the game seize the moment for lasting growth?'We need more from him': Why Tahs benched Tupou - and what they want from ‘frustrated’ Wallabies starRugby That is despite the former flyhalf arguably being the most qualified coach in Australia, having been Michael Cheika’s right-hand man in 2015 during the Wallabies’ run to the World Cup final.Larkham has also never missed the Super Rugby finals during his two stints as Brumbies coach, including back-to-back semi-final defeats across the ditch.

No other Australian Super Rugby franchise was close to the semi-finals.He also had a reasonably successful stint at Munster as Johann van Graan’s assistant, where the Irish province made the Pro 14 final in 2021.The decision to withdraw is the latest interesting twist in the search to find Schmidt’s replacement, with the New Zealander deciding against taking the Wallabies through to the World Cup in early February.

While Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh had indicated that Schmidt’s replacement would be appointed quickly in early February, it’s been eight weeks since the New Zealander officially let everyone know of his decision to leave.Waugh has since brought together a panel to find the next coach, including himself, chairman Daniel Herbert, high performance director Peter Horne and World Cup-winning Wallabies captain John Eales.Although Cheika is keen on the role and has the best resume to put his hat in the ring, it’s understood RA doesn’t want to return to the former 2015 World Rugby coach of the year.

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What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.Meanwhile, Larkham’s decision likely leaves it a shootout between Kiss and Stuart Lancaster, with the former England boss rebuilding his reputation on the international stage after a strong eight-year stint at Leinster having previously bombed out at the 2015 World Cup. (Photo By Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)The Roar revealed last week that Lancaster was in the running for the Wallabies role and had impressed the RA panel with his leadership and coaching pedigree.

Several players, including Irish legend Johnny Sexton, had spoken glowingly about Lancaster’s ability.Schmidt, too, is believed to be a fan of Lancaster’s, having coached against him on the Six Nations stage before seeing his work first-hand as Ireland boss.A decision on Schmidt’s replacement is expected in the next fortnight.

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