The decision Australian rugby fans expected, but still feared, was finally revealed on Thursday afternoon. So who is best placed to replace Joe Schmidt?

Stuart Lancaster: Remembered by Aussies as the coach of England when they crashed out of their own World Cup in 2015 and was replaced by Eddie Jones. But he rebounded and helped Leinster dominate Europe for the next seven years. Recently departed his French club Racing 92.

In a major blow for Australian rugby, Joe Schmidt has confirmed he will not steer the Wallabies through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup at home.