By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Rugby Australia confirmed Les Kiss as the successor to Joe Schmidt as Wallabies head coach, with the Queensland Reds coach signing a two-year contract to run from 2026 until 2028.
Kiss, 60, was a former assistant to Schmidt with Ireland from 2013 to 2015, and previous to that was defence coach under Declan Kidney for Ireland between 2009 and 2013.
“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.”
The announcement sees the Wallabies confirm a fifth head coach in six years.
“My intention to finish at the end of this year’s Rugby Championship has been adjusted to fit with Les’s availability,” 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 has a decorated coaching career spanning over 20 years and including senior roles in Australia, Ireland, England and South Africa.
He served as an assistant coach with the Springboks and was part of an incredibly successful period with Ireland, under Schmidt, which included a Grand Slam in 2009, Six Nations titles in 2009, 2014 and 2015 and two Rugby World Cup quarter-finals in 2011 and 2015.