The 58-year-old most recently worked as New Zealand's assistant head coach. He took on the position following their series loss to Ireland in 2022 and, with Ian Foster, helped lead the team to the Rugby World Cup final in 2023.

Schmidt's most well-known position, and the one that his fans in the south most frequently bring up, was his six-year tenure as Ireland's head coach from 2013 to 2019, during which he oversaw three Six Nations victories and a Grand Slam victory in 2018.

Ireland defeated New Zealand in 2016 for the first time and again in 2018 while he was in office. The team peaked at number one in the world in 2019 before their form broke down at the World Cup in Japan that year, losing to New Zealand in the quarterfinals once more.

Schmidt joined Australia on a two-year contract to replace former England coach Eddie Jones, who resigned from the position following the World Cup.

Schmidt's appointment was mostly motivated by his coaching background and experience, according to Rugby Australia (RA) CEO Phil Waugh.

"Joe's experience with Ireland and New Zealand, two of the most aligned rugby nations in the world, will no doubt prove valuable as we move forward," he added, referring to the declared goal of creating a unified Australian rugby system.

"He has a global view of the game from his experience in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, and his appointment puts us in a strong position as we build towards the 2025 British and Irish Lions Tour."

Schmidt expressed his excitement at taking on the post following a decline in Australian rugby in previous years.

"I am aware that the Wallabies have endured a challenging time, and I am eager to assist them in creating a path ahead, with improved alignment and unambiguous guidance from RA," he stated.

"The upcoming Test matches against Wales will arrive quickly, post-Super Rugby, and the programme through to the British and Irish Lions Tour next year presents plenty of opportunities and challenges - which I am sure will invigorate players and staff."

After losing to Fiji and Wales in their World Cup group stage, the Wallabies have only won three of their previous ten games.