Rugby Australia have confirmed the worst-kept secret that Queensland Reds boss Les Kiss will replace Joe Schmidt as head coach for the Wallabies, but there is a twist.
Schmidt was set to step down from the role following the conclusion of this year’s Rugby Championship but he will remain in the role until mid-2026.
This will allow Kiss to conclude his contract with the Reds before taking over from Schmidt through to the end of 2028.
Joe Schmidt is sticking around
“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.
In 2015, he joined Ulster as the club’s director of rugby, a role he held until 2018 when he joined London Irish.
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New Wallabies head coach
Most recently, he linked up with the Queensland Reds and is currently in his second season with the side.
Rugby Australia believes that the transition of the Head Coach position after the Australian leg of the Nations Cup in 2026 provides the Wallabies with:
– Minimal disruption to the Australian Rugby ecosystem with Kiss to complete his contract with the Reds in 2026,
– An orderly transfer from Schmidt to Kiss between the British and Irish Lions tour in 2025 and the Rugby World Cup in 2027,
– 14 additional Tests for Schmidt to build upon the foundations established in 2024 over and above his initial 17-Test commitment.
Kiss said leading the Wallabies at a home Rugby World Cup in 2027 was “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.”
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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/honour-of-a-lifetime-as-wallabies-confirm-worst-kept-secret-with-a-twist-as-les-kiss-to-replace-joe-schmidt
