Ex-Ireland head trainer Joe Schmidt is set to join the race to fill the New Zealand head coach role after the France Rugby World Cup 2023. Last week, New Zealand Rugby confirmed that they will pause tradition and start the method of selecting the head coach from 2024 before the World Cup. This led to a swift reply from Ian Foster, the present head coach, who confirmed that he would not reapply for the work.

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Japan RWC head trainer Jamie Joseph and Crusaders boss Scott Robertson are the leading contenders for the position, but they could have a stiff contest as Schmidt could put his name into the mix. Media reports that while Schmidt has not yet thrown his cap in the ring, he has significantly left the door open. Schmidt joined the New Zealand coaching side last year, leading the squad in the opening Test against Ireland when Foster and his helpers were hit with Covid-19.

Schmidt enjoyed extraordinary success in Ireland RWC

Schmidt stepped away from coaching after the 2019 Rugby World Cup due to family promises but made a soft return as an advisor for the Blues, eventually leading to New Zealand. The 57-year-old was allegedly reluctant to apply for the job, but he is believed to have softened to the idea. Stuff adds that he has the support of the senior New Zealand players. NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson held a call with the senior players to notify them of the head trainer role becoming vacant next year.

Schmidt enjoyed extraordinary success in Ireland, winning a pro12 title and two victors Cups in his three spells with Leinster. He took over the Ireland head coach role in 2013. During his six years in charge of the state side, Ireland won three Six Nations titles, and one Grand Slam and claimed 53 wins from 74 Tests. His tenure ended at the 2019 RWC, where he ended with a 72%-win ratio and led the side to a maiden win over the Springboks in South Africa in 2016.

New Zealand utility forward marks new deal after RWC 2023

New Zealand utility forward Scott Barrett has re-committed to New Zealand Rugby, the Crusaders and Taranaki after passing an agreement through to 2025. Barrett has been a stalwart for the Crusaders since making his introduction to the Christchurch-based franchise in 2014 and is set to make his 100th presence for the Super Rugby Pacific winners in Saturday’s clash with the Fijian Drua in Lautoka. For more know about New Zealand Rugby World Cup Tickets click here.

The 29-year-old is pleased to continue his ride with the many teams he represents. I am eager to re-sign with New Zealand Rugby, the Crusaders and Taranaki for two more years, said Barrett. I am thankful to have the chance to represent these teams in which I love playing. Barrett, who can play at lock and on the blindside flank, made his New Zealand introduction against Ireland in Chicago in 2016 and has already won 59 caps for the three-time world champs.

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson conveyed his delight at Barrett’s conclusion to extend his stay in New Zealand. Scott is well-respected by teammates, administration and fans across the game, he said. We’ve examined him to grow into a leader at all levels and are pleased to continue working alongside him.

New Zealand RWC head trainer Ian Foster echoed Robinson’s views

This is fantastic news for New Zealand, he said. Scott Barrett has become a huge contributor on and off the park, and to have his promise past the Rugby World Cup is a real boost. Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson tinted the role Barrett has played in his team’s unparalleled success in Super Rugby and said he is an incredible player with the skills of a trainer and that his understanding of the game is one of his strong points.

For club and nation Scott Barrett pledging through until the end of 2025 is huge, said Robertson. His experience, admiration and mana he has in every team he plays for, makes him a massive asset. He’s an implausible player with the skills of a trainer. He’s always thinking about how things could be better, and he’s always brilliant and challenging what we’re doing. He’s typically a step ahead and is a great thinker of the game of rugby.

He’s got the skill to be one of the greats of our game. He’s a Crusader. He is a real Crusader. Taranaki chief manager Mike Sandle welcomed the news that Barrett has followed his brother Jordie, who also recommitted to the area last year. Taranaki Rugby is excited that Scott has recommitted to New Zealand Rugby and Taranaki Rugby, he said. Taranaki has a pleasant tradition of producing in New Zealand and I know all our players.

Hardwick is pleased to be part of Namibia Rugby World Cup 2023 strategies

Richard Hardwick’s super rugby pacific form is set to see him satisfied with an RWC berth, only not with Australia. The Melbourne flanker was a stand-out in their tight loss to contest titans the Hurricanes last round. As well as his work around the breakdown Hardwick recorded two tries as the Rebels rallied back from 24-7 down at halftime before a six-point defeat, earning him bragging rights over winger and co-player Monty Ioane.

The pair are set to cross paths in the group stage at the France Rugby World Cup later this year, with Ioane representing Italy and Hardwick his nation of birth, Namibia. With two Australia rugby team caps in 2017, Hardwick said he was told last year by then-teacher Dave Rennie he was not part of his plans so he turned to Namibia, where he lived before his family repositioned to Western Australia.

Despite Rennie making way for Eddie Jones, Hardwick, who received his first cap for the southwest African nation late in 2022, has no regrets. I was talking to Rennie and they just wanted to go down a different direction, younger players and an altered style of rugby that’s not ideally suited for me, which is okay, Hardwick said. So I just took things into my own hands. For more know about Namibia Rugby World Cup Tickets click here.

He can do a lot of good for Namibia RWC side

There are a few things in my life that I’d love to achieve before retiring and I’m not getting any younger so the chance came up last year in November to go over and play for Namibia and possibly get a crack at an RWC so I wasn’t going to wait around. Hardwick said his move to the rugby minnows meant a lot to his family and specifically his father Michael, who had signified the nation at several sports, foremost cricket.

I think I can do a lot of decent in Namibian rugby, not only representing them but developing bring my skill in Australian rugby and at a global level as well. It was also pretty superior for my dad, he signified Namibia for cricket and golf and squash so that’s pretty special to have two peers who have played for the nation. He gave up quite a lot to move us to Australia and give us the life that we have now.

Hardwick said confidence was building before RWC 2023

I’m very grateful for that so giving back to both my parents is appealing and special. Hardwick and his Rebels will quest for their first win of the season on Friday night at AAMI Park against the NSW Waratahs. Boasting a back-row that covers former Australia rugby skipper Michael Hooper and new sensation Langi Gleeson, the Waratahs posted an inspiring win over Fijian Drua last round.

They’ve got a daring back-row and you can’t underrate them. They’re going to put on big shots, they’re going to be a threat at the breakdown, and they’re going to have big ball carriers. We have to stick together as a part to try and nullify them and we’ve got a pair of plans around that but for the most part, it’s going to be a squad effort, just to stay on top of them and upset them.

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