The Wallabies have taken a major step towards long-term success, announcing that current head coach Joe Schmidt will remain in charge until mid-2026.
From then, Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss will take over, in a carefully structured transition described by Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh as an “elegant solution” designed to ensure continuity and stability as the team builds towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil.
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Waugh emphasised the importance of consistency not only in the head coaching role but also across the broader rugby program.
“We’ve been largely focusing on stability, continuity, and continued progression,” he said.
“I think that because of the process and the person that Les is, there’s a lot of continuity in the background that Joe and Les have together.
"It’s the continuity across the management team, which we believe will lead to the best performance we can have going forward into 2027.”
The plan ensures minimal disruption to Super Rugby, with Kiss set to complete his contract with the Reds through the 2026 season before stepping into the national role.
Originally planning to depart after the 2025 Rugby Championship, Schmidt agreed to extend his tenure to align with Kiss’s availability.
Kiss will then lead the Wallabies through to the end of 2028, bringing more than two decades of international coaching experience in South Africa, Ireland, and England.
Waugh highlighted the value of Kiss’s extensive international experience.
Kiss and Schmidt share a successful coaching history, having worked together during Ireland’s golden era, which included multiple Six Nations titles.
“I think that it goes to the track record of Les' coaching abilities," Waugh remarked.
"Obviously, understanding different markets when you're an international coach is really important.
"...The background that Joe and Les have together over a long period of time on the international stage with a lot of international success is really important to us.”
It leaves Rugby Australia confident this strategic succession plan will provide the foundation for consistent Test success and a strong tilt at World Cup glory, underpinned by a united, forward-thinking coaching team.
