Former rugby league international Les Kiss has been appointed as the new coach of the Australian national rugby team, the Wallabies, succeeding Joe Schmidt. Rugby Australia announced that Kiss will take the helm next year after Schmidt opted to extend his contract until July 2026, following an originally planned departure after the British & Irish Lions test series in August.
Kiss, who is currently in his third season as head coach of the Queensland Reds, will sign a two-year deal. He has a relatively short timeframe to prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will be hosted in Australia. The transition marks a significant moment for the Wallabies as it is their first major coaching change since Eddie Jones replaced Rod McQueen in 2001. Kiss’s familiarity with the Wallabies, having served as a defense coach during Schmidt’s successful tenure with Ireland, is expected to smooth the transition.
In a statement, Kiss expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting the strong working relationship he shares with Schmidt and his intent to build on the solid foundation already established. He referred to the chance to guide the national team through a pivotal era leading up to the home Rugby World Cup as “an honor of a lifetime.”
Kiss, who began his coaching career as a defense coach for South Africa’s Springboks in 2001, is committed to ensuring the Wallabies are competitive on the international stage. His experience with the Reds has seen the team improve in Super Rugby standings, where they are currently performing well after a challenging debut season under his leadership.
Schmidt announced that his extended tenure allows him to balance family commitments, particularly concerning a son who has severe epilepsy. The Wallabies performed better toward the end of the last season, showing signs of improvement under Schmidt, who has been tasked with enhancing the team’s performance after Australia’s disappointing exit from the last World Cup in the pool stages.
Both Kiss and Schmidt are keen on maintaining a focus on squad development and performance as they navigate upcoming challenges. With a bright future ahead, Kiss’s appointment brings optimism for progress and success as Australian rugby strives for excellence on the world stage.
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