The CEO of Rugby Australia, Phil Waugh, is considering permitting the inclusion of the new Wallabies The coach will also take up a role in Super Rugby, with the hunt for Joe Schmidt's successor entering its third month.
On Wednesday morning, Waugh stated that the search for Schmidt's replacement had reached "the very final stages."
Schmidt stated he would conclude his tenure following the British and Irish Lions tour and culminate with one last Bledisloe Cup series.
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Les Kiss continues to be the leading candidate for the Queensland Reds coaching position; however, Michael Cheika, Dan McKellar, Stephen Larkham, former Wales coach Warren Gatland, and past England coach Stuart Lancaster have also been mentioned as possibilities.
Permitting the Wallabies coach to take up an additional coaching role would mark a departure from established tradition.
"Traditionally, our focus has been on discussing a potential head coach for the Wallabies, which often diverts attention away from the assistant coaches and what’s occurring within the Super Rugby teams," Waugh said to journalists, including Wide World of Sports, on Wednesday.
We're concentrating on securing the top-tier coaches for the Super Rugby setting, as winning at this level is essential before aiming to triumph in international tests.
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We have full confidence that we will strike the perfect balance between utilizing shared services or resources and making sure that the globe’s top-tier coaches lead our international initiative.
We aim for the optimal result, and if that involves shared services or job sharing arrangements, we will pursue those options.
League convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii said there was "no rush" in finding Schmidt's replacement, and the playing group had faith in the Rugby Australia board.
"I’m actually pretty relaxed about it for my part," he stated.
As a team, we have confidence in the board selecting the appropriate individual for the role. I believe there’s no urgency here. In my view, as an organization, we should proceed with caution since this will be a highly significant choice.
Last week’s news indicated that Noah Lolesio, one of his teammates from the Wallabies, might have jeopardized his position in the team for the upcoming Lions tour due to signing an agreement to play in Japan.
Suaalii mentioned that he understood the reasons behind players' decisions.
The upcoming World Cup at home will be led by the new Wallabies coach next year.
The final game for Schmidt as coach will take place on October 4.