Les Kiss to Lead Wallabies as Queensland Reds Coach Starting July

Les Kiss to take over as Wallabies coach | 00:22

Rugby Australia chief executive officer Phil Waugh says the coaching transition from Joe Schmidt to Les Kiss next year is the “best possible outcome” for the Wallabies after confirming the Queensland Reds mentor would take the national role in July next year.

Kiss will complete his Queensland Rugby Union contract, leaving Schmidt as Wallabies coach until mid-2026, a shift in original plans.

Schmidt was originally set to stand down in October this year at the completion of the Rugby Championship.

However, he will now end his tenure after the Australian leg of next year’s Nations Cup, with Kiss to then coach the Wallabies until at least the end of 2028 in a tenure that will include the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

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“My intention to finish at the end of this year’s Rugby Championship has been adjusted to fit with Les’s availability,” New Zealander Schmidt said.

“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.”

Kiss, 60, played rugby league for Queensland and Australia before starting his rugby union coaching journey in 2001 as an assistant with South Africa’s national team.

The Bundaberg product’s senior coaching roles also included being part of Ireland’s staff under Schmidt, as well as jobs in England and Australia, where he was appointed Reds coach ahead of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Joe Schmidt will continue to coach the Wallabies until July next year. Picture: Warren Little/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Kiss said guiding the Wallabies’ fortunes a home Rugby World Cup in 2027 would be the “honour of a lifetime”.

“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.

“I look forward to contributing to the continued growth of Australian rugby.”

Waugh said the handover plan year was the best possible outcome for the Wallabies “and the broader Australian rugby ecosystem”.

“We are delighted Joe will continue as Wallabies head coach for an additional year before handing over to the vastly experienced and credentialed Les Kiss in 2026,” Waugh said.

“I have always been a big believer in the importance of team culture and, in Joe and Les, we have successive Wallabies head coaches who have built some of the strongest cultures in Australia and around the world.

Kiss played 100 first grade games for the North Sydney Bears between 1986-1993 and represented Queensland and Australia. Picture: Rugby League HistorySource: Supplied

“RA made clear from the outset our goal of achieving continuity with the Wallabies and minimal disruption to Super Rugby clubs.

“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.”

Queensland Rugby Union chief executive David Hanham said: “On behalf of the QRU, we wish to extend our congratulations to Les on his appointment as the head coach of the Wallabies.

“We are supportive of Les’ ambition and proud that his hard work and the strong performance and culture of the team and organisation has been recognised in his appointment.

“Since Les returned to Queensland following more than 20 years overseas and interstate, it has been clear to us that he is an outstanding coach and a great person.

“Les has undoubtedly made our players better, and the implementation of his entertaining game plan has positively influenced attendance at Reds matches and our broader commerciality as a business.”