“We’ll continue to do that to ensure that we continue that level of continuity and consistency within that environment, with Joe taking us through to the end of the Nations Championship at the end of July.
“We’re very confident with the strategy we have in place, confident with the integration into a new coach after the Nations Championship.”
Joe Schmidt and Wallabies captain Harry Wilson in Dublin.Credit: Getty Images
Waugh also doubled down on Schmidt’s commitment to the job, despite the New Zealander being due to depart the role in eight months.
“From everything I’ve seen and experienced with Joe from the moment that he committed to Australian rugby right through to standing here today, that level of commitment is absolutely 100 percent,” Waugh said.
“I know because I’m corresponding with him frequently in terms of the hours that he’s doing to elevate the Wallabies and their performances.
“Also, there’s the broader connection across the Australian rugby community, and there’s never been a question of his commitment at any stage.
“I think it’s one of the elements that makes Joe such an impressive guy is just that he’s brutally honest and he’s absolutely committed to whatever he puts his word to.”
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt helped turn around Australian rugby after the 2023 World Cup but is facing a challenging end to the jobCredit: Getty Images
Kiss has been in Europe during the Spring tour, spending time with Schmidt before he returns to lead the Reds ahead of the Super Rugby season and Waugh is confident that the handover will benefit the Wallabies.
“That transition of Les (Kiss) into the head coaching role, working closely with Joe, we must ensure we’ve got continuity across the broader management team, because I certainly don’t want it to be a fresh start.
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“It needs to be continued progress and continued continuity and that’s why we’ve secured a lot of the management through to the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup to ensure that there is that level of continuity.
“The relationship that Joe and Les have, it’s been a long one. They’ve coached together, they’ve been in the same environment together and they’ve got the same cultural beliefs.”
Waugh acknowledged the disappointment of the results in Europe and hoped that the Australian rugby public would set the defeats into the context of the whole season, which have included victories against South Africa in Johannesburg and the Lions in Sydney.
“Whilst we’ve had a disappointing few weeks, I think that people hopefully can reflect on the journey that we’re on and the progress that’s been made,” Waugh said.
“Whilst the tour has been disappointing in terms of results, you reflect on where we were 12 months ago and then the journey into the Lions Series and obviously the victories within the Rugby Championship…
“I know we’ve got a responsibility to all those that are watching and following, ultimately it’s our responsibility to perform and there are no excuses being made. We understand that responsibility and the players understand that responsibility.”