“Who’s Next in Line? Exploring the Contenders to Succeed Eddie Jones”

Who will replace Eddie Jones? Here are the candidates

The Front-runners

In the wake of Eddie Jones’s departure, the search for the next Wallabies coach is well underway. Let’s take a look at the front-runners for the position:

Dan McKellar

Dan McKellar, currently coaching at Leicester Tigers in England, is a strong contender for the role. With his extensive experience as the head coach of the Brumbies and as Dave Rennie’s assistant at the Wallabies, McKellar has a solid understanding of Australian rugby and a good relationship with many of the Wallabies squad. Despite being just six months into his three-year deal with Leicester Tigers, McKellar may be tempted to return home to take up the position.

Stephen Larkham

Another obvious choice is Stephen Larkham, who has a decorated history as a player for the Wallabies. Larkham’s coaching experience includes two stints as the head coach of the Brumbies and a stint as the Wallabies attack coach. While his recent time in Ireland coaching Munster was largely disappointing, Larkham has the potential to replicate his success as a player and bring that knowledge to his coaching role with the Wallabies.

Michael Cheika

Michael Cheika, despite his messy ending as Wallabies coach in 2019, cannot be discounted as a potential replacement for Eddie Jones. Cheika enjoyed a successful World Cup in France, almost leading Argentina to third place. He has also been credited with turning Leinster into one of European rugby’s giants. With his innovative thinking and proven track record, Cheika could provide a short-term boost to the Wallabies’ performance.

The Wild Cards

While the front-runners have strong credentials, there are a couple of wild card candidates who should not be overlooked:

Andy Friend

Andy Friend may not be a household name in Australian rugby, but he has built up an excellent reputation in European club rugby with Irish club Connacht. As the former coach of Australia’s Sevens setup, Friend achieved success with limited resources at Connacht, including European knock-out rugby for the first time. Despite being a brave choice, Friend could bring fresh ideas and energy to the Wallabies.

Joe Schmidt

Joe Schmidt, a New Zealander known for his innovative approach to coaching, has made a name for himself by transforming Irish rugby into a global force. After finishing as Ireland coach in 2019, Schmidt has been working as part of the All Blacks coaching staff. With Scott Robertson taking over at the All Blacks, Schmidt may be tempted by a new challenge and could bring his analytical expertise to the Wallabies.

Ian Foster

Although a long shot, Ian Foster should not be discounted. Foster’s stock rose considerably during the recent World Cup, where he led the All Blacks to the final. Despite their narrow loss, Foster inspired his team to play attractive rugby and showcased his coaching abilities. If Foster wants to prove his worth to his former employers, the Wallabies, he could be a surprising choice to take over as coach.

Editorial and Advice

The departure of Eddie Jones as Wallabies coach marks the end of a turbulent era. The next coach will be tasked with rebuilding the team and taking the Wallabies to new heights. While the front-runners and wild card candidates all have their strengths, it is crucial that the selection process prioritizes finding a coach who can not only bring success on the field but also foster a positive team culture and develop young talent.

The Wallabies have shown promise in recent years, but consistency and a winning mentality have been elusive. The new coach must instill a sense of belief and accountability within the squad, while also embracing innovation and adaptability in a rapidly changing sport.

Australian rugby has a rich history and a passionate fan base, and the Wallabies deserve a coach who can harness that passion and inspire the team to reach their full potential. The decision should not be taken lightly, as the next coach will have a significant impact on the future of Australian rugby.

Ultimately, the Wallabies need a coach who can provide stability, leadership, and a clear vision for success. Whether it’s one of the front-runners with their experience in Australian rugby or one of the wild card candidates with their fresh perspectives, the important thing is to choose a coach who can unite the team, empower the players, and restore the Wallabies to their former glory.