Ex-Wallaby Lyons sees signs of Aussie revival

Once rugby powerhouses, two-time world champions Australia have found themselves in a rut in recent years.

- Kimberly Kwek

At the 2023 World Cup, the Wallabies suffered a pool-stage exit for the first time, before slipping to a record low of 10th in the world rankings.

Coach Eddie Jones resigned in October 2023, just 10 months into his five-year contract, and was replaced by former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt, who was appointed in January.

Under Schmidt, world No. 9 Australia lost five of their six Rugby Championship matches in August and September, prompting former Wallaby David Lyons to say that it will take time for the team to regain their international standing.

Lyons, who featured at the 2003 and 2007 World Cups, told The Straits Times: "It's a long way to go to be back in the top two in the world, but there are signs that we can be back in the top five or six in the world, and that would be a good goal to start with."

The 44-year-old is in Singapore for the 75th Singapore Cricket Club International Rugby Sevens tournament at the Padang on Nov 9 and 10.