Source : ABC NEWS
Les Kiss will replace Joe Schmidt as Wallabies coach but not until mid-2026.
Kiss, who coaches the Queensland Reds, will take on the role following next year’s Super Rugby Pacific competition.
He will lead the Wallabies into the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which Australia will host, after signing a two-year deal.
Schmidt was to step down as Wallabies coach following this year’s Rugby Championship but agreed to extend his stint in charge of the national men’s team.
He became Wallabies coach in the wake of the disastrous 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign.
Rugby Australia (RA) described the transition as offering “minimal disruption to the Australian Rugby ecosystem”, with Kiss to see out his Reds contract next year.
“My intention to finish at the end of this year’s Rugby Championship has been adjusted to fit with Les’s availability,” Schmidt said in a Rugby Australia statement.
“I think he’s doing a great job with the Reds, so it was important to dovetail with his responsibilities there.
“It has certainly been a privilege to be involved with the Wallabies — the staff and players have worked hard but we all know there’s a lot more hard work ahead of us with the British and Irish Lions here in a few months’ time.
“For my family, the extension until the end of next July means that they will spend more time with me in Sydney so we will hopefully find a good balance.”
Joe Schmidt will continue as Wallabies coach until handing over to Kiss next year. (Getty Images: Michael Steele)
Kiss said he was honoured by his appointment.
“It’s an incredibly exciting time for Australian rugby and I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as Wallabies head coach from next year,” Kiss said.
“Joe and I have a strong relationship and a long history of working together, and I am looking forward to building upon the excellent foundations he has laid with the Wallabies.
“I am thrilled to continue with the Reds for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season before transitioning into the Wallabies environment.
“To coach our national team through such an important period, highlighted by a home Rugby World Cup in 2027, is the honour of a lifetime and an opportunity I am truly grateful for.”
Kiss, a former Australia rugby league representative, worked under Schmidt between 2013 and 2015 during the New Zealander’s tenure as Ireland coach.
In that time, Ireland won consecutive Six Nations titles in 2014 and 2015.
Kiss had linked up with Ireland prior to Schmidt’s appointment and served as its interim head coach for two Tests in 2013 following Declan Kidney’s sacking.
He also held a role with the Springboks in 2001 and 2002.
Before his move to Ireland, Kiss spent six years at the Waratahs, working with head coaches Bob Dwyer and Ewen McKenzie.
He took charge of the Reds in 2024, helping them reach the Super Rugby Pacific finals in his first season.
“RA made clear from the outset our goal of achieving continuity with the Wallabies and minimal disruption to Super Rugby clubs,” RA chief executive Phil Waugh said.
“Joe remaining with the Wallabies for an additional year and Les taking over after completing his final year with the Reds means we have achieved both outcomes, which I’m sure will be welcomed by rugby fans across the country.
“We are confident we have landed on the best possible outcome which allows Australian rugby to enter its next, exciting chapter with confidence and clarity.”
