Done deal.

Former Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt is set for a swift return to rugby following his All Blacks exit after the World Cup in France last year.

The 58-year-old is yet to return to a head coach role since leaving Ireland following stints at the Blues and the All Blacks as well as a brief role with World Rugby.

But that looks set to change with reports from The Roar and the Sydney Morning Herald suggesting that a deal is “essentially done” for the New Zealander to replace Eddie Jones as Wallabies head coach.

Former Ireland director of rugby David Nucifora was recently brought in as an advisor for Rugby Australia and it’s believed his influence has helped seal the deal for Schmidt to take the reigns following a disastrous spell under Jones.

Schmidt taking over Australia is sure to add some spice to the British and Irish Lions’ tour of Australia in 2025 with his former Ireland assistant Andy Farrell recently named as head coach of the famous touring side for that series.