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3w ago

Larkham Named Australia A Coach as Schmidt and Cron Join Staff

Rugby Australia says the appointments are designed to keep Joe Schmidt involved and to strengthen squad depth ahead of the 2027 home World Cup.

Rugby Union - Australia Press Conference - The Lensbury Hotel, Teddington, Middlesex - 27/10/15 Australia assistant coach Stephen Larkham during the press conference Action Images via Reuters/ Peter Cziborra Livepic/File Photo
Rugby Union - Rugby Championship - South Africa v Australia - Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa - August 16, 2025 Australia head coach Joe Schmidt speaks to Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii before the match REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko REFILE - CORRECTING ID
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Lachie Shaw and Declan Meredith are in the mix for the Wallabies as Stephen Larkham prepares to coach Australia A. Pictures by Keegan Carroll

Overview

  • Rugby Australia has appointed Stephen Larkham as head coach of Australia A with Joe Schmidt and Simon Cron on the coaching ticket and said the full fixture list will be released later this month.
  • Joe Schmidt will step away from the Wallabies’ head‑coach role after July’s Nations Championship Tests and will remain involved in Australian rugby through the Australia A program as Les Kiss prepares to take over the national side.
  • Schmidt has told colleagues he is reducing his top‑level duties to spend more time with his family while still offering coaching support through the development pathway.
  • Les Kiss is assembling a supporting Wallabies staff with Scott McLeod and Jon Fisher confirmed as assistants and Tom Donnelly and John Ulugia retained in specialist roles with mentorship from Mike Cron.
  • Rugby Australia frames Australia A as a bridge from domestic rugby to full Tests to build genuine depth for the 2027 home Rugby World Cup and the team, reintroduced in 2022, has played 11 games with six wins and a draw; an October tour to play the USA has been reported but not finalised.