Les Kiss will become Wallabies head coach in July 2026 following Joe Schmidt's decision to oversee the British & Irish Lions series, after which he will exit the role.
The next Wallabies coach will step into his role following the extension of Joe Schmidt's coaching period by nine months. Schmidt modified his departure date so Les Kiss could accept the head coaching position to fit with his availability.
“The extension through next July's end provides my family with additional time to stay in Sydney with me since we hope we can strike a suitable equilibrium,” said Schmidt in a team news release.
The Queensland Reds head coach, Kiss, comes to his current position after holding coaching positions at Springboks, Ireland, Ulster, and London Irish.
The Reds were knocked out of the Super Rugby Pacific quarter-finals in Kiss's first year in charge but are fourth in the standings this season and in the hunt for a first title since 2011.
He expressed his deep gratitude to coach the Wallabies starting from next year.
“The strong bond I share with Joe along with our extended teamwork brings me excitement to develop the excellent Wallabies structures which he established,” Kiss said in a press conference.
Kiss expressed his feeling of pride about leading the national team through this essential time featuring the 2027 Rugby World Cup hosted in our country.
Kiss is committed to staying with the Reds until the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season before taking over his Wallabies coaching position.
After twenty years, the Wallabies are implementing their first planned coaching transition, which will strengthen the team as they prepare for their home World Cup tournament.
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