New Zealander Joe Schmidt has not committed to a long-term deal with the Wallabies. (File photo) Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Rugby Australia wants Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt's signature on a contract extension by the start of the Super Rugby competition on 14 February, its chief executive Phil Waugh says.
Schmidt is currently contracted up to the end of the British and Irish Lions series in August, but after positive signs for the Wallabies in the New Zealander's first season in charge, Rugby Australia (RA) hopes to lock him in through to the 2027 World Cup on Australian soil.
Waugh said the process had taken longer than their "ambition" to pin Schmidt down by Christmas.
"But we are working through those conversations constructively," he told media in Sydney on Thursday.
"Ideally we'd have a position before Super Rugby ... and we don't want to distract from the start of Super Rugby on February 14."
Schmidt finished his first season in charge with six wins from 13 tests, with half the victories coming against struggling Wales.
But the Wallabies finished the season with a solid northern hemisphere tour where they beat England and gave Ireland a scare in defeat.
Waugh said RA was happy to be "creative" in framing a long-term role for Schmidt, who did not commit to a long-term deal amid concerns over the health of his son who lives with a severe form of epilepsy.
"I think the most important aspect of Joe's inclusion in the environment is his positive influence he has culturally," Waugh said.
"If we can have Joe influencing our environment positively then that's a good outcome."
- Reuters
