The Wallabies have appointed Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss to be the next head coach of the national side on a two-year deal.
However, Kiss will not take the job until the middle of 2026, as current coach Joe Schmidt has extended his tenure.
Catch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
Schmidt initially announced in February that he would depart the post at the end of the Rugby Championship before informing RA of his willingness to continue as Wallabies head coach for an additional year.
The new arrangement will see the former Ireland boss continue as coach before handing over to his former assistant after the Australian leg of the Nations Cup in 2026.
The ‘orderly transfer from Schmidt to Kiss’ will happen between the Lions tour in July and the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
“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 enters the role with over two decades of coaching experience after initially making his name in Rugby League as a winger.
He began his career with South Africa as defence coach before joining the NSW Waratahs as an assistant.
Schmidt and Kiss have an extensive working history, with Kiss serving under Schmidt at Ireland as they won back-to-back Six Nations in 2014 and 2015.
Following this, the 60-year-old arrived at Ulster as Director of Rugby, transitioning to London Irish coach in 2018 before returning to Queensland in 2024.
“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.”
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh believes the decision was the best possible outcome for the Wallabies and the broader Australian Rugby landscape.
“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.
“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.
“We are confident we have landed on the best possible outcome which allows Australian Rugby to enter its next, exciting chapter with confidence and clarity.”
