Noah Lolesio says Joe Schmidt’s decision to quit as Wallabies coach this year is a key reason why he’s opted to leave Australia to play in Japan, adding the lack of certainty over who will take over is “a stressful time” for his off-contract teammates.
In a candid media conference on Monday, the Brumbies No.10 said he didn’t hold Schmidt’s decision to leave after The Rugby Championship against the Kiwi coach, but it played a significant role in his departure, having been in and out of the team under a succession of coaches.
A decision on a replacement for Schmidt has been expected for months now, without resolution.
“Joe not being here after The Rugby Championship definitely made it tougher for me to stay, to be honest,” said Lolesio.
“Just the unknown of who the next coach will be. And me potentially, if I do stay, then go through the whole cycle again.
“I’m not putting it on Joe because I totally understand why he’s leaving. He’s got a family, he’s got to look after his family as well .I’m forever thankful for what he’s done for me and my career, especially last year. And I thanked him on that as well. So, yeah, that was probably one of the main reasons why I decided to head overseas.
“I believe everything happens for a reason as well. Without going through all those troubled, I wouldn’t say troubled times, but those times, I wouldn’t be the player I am today.
“It’s a tough one because I definitely wanted to stay, ideally.
“But it’s just the unknown of what the future holds. It’s a stressful time, not just for myself, but for boys off contract at the moment.
“I totally respect Joe’s decision to leave but as I’ve experienced so far with previous coaches, it didn’t end well for me. I bring it back to I’m happy it’s all over now and I’m just keen to rip it with the boys.”
Lolesio says he’s keen to keep his place in the squad for the British and Irish Lions tour but he’s received no guarantees from Schmidt that he will pick players who have opted to continue their careers overseas after this season.
Lolesio spoke to Schmidt before announcing his decision and the coach told him he would favour players who have decided to stay in Australia, but the door is not closed.
“He was pretty disappointed. It was a tough phone call. I thanked him for what he’s done for me. He’s been open about [Tom Hooper] and Langi [Gleeson] and not picking them,” Lolesio said.
“But look at them now. They’re probably up there with one of the best forwards in Australia for this season.
“He said something similar to me. But he also said the door’s never shut as well.
“He said ideally he wanted me to stay and he’s obviously got to factor in the future for boys that want to stay in Australia, which is, again, fair enough. But he also said that the window’s not fully closed as well. It’s the same as every year.
“I’ve just got to put my best foot forward for the Brumbies and then, you know, I can’t really control what happens with the Wallabies. If I get selected, then how good? But then, if I don’t, then it is what it is.
“I’m still contracted here until October. So, I’ll still be available. Especially now I can just really focus on being the best 10 I can be for the Brumbies.
“And then, hopefully, my performances for the rest of the season can put a good step forward for selection for that Lions series.”
Noah Lolesio. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
Lolesio has been at the Brumbies since he was 17.
“I’m 25 now. I had to weigh up what I want, what my family wants, what my partner wants and just tossing and turning,” said Lolesio.
“That’s why this process took pretty long. I know it’s not ideal but I’m fully happy and content. The next year is sorted out which is relieving and stress free.”
