Rugby Australia has confirmed the first appointment of incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss, with former All Blacks assistant Scott McLeod signing on for the next three years
McLeod made his name with the Kiwis for more than six years, serving at the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups.
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The 53-year-old will join from Top League side Kubota Spears, the current home of former Wallabies playmaker Bernard Foley.
He replaces Laurie Fisher, who will step into a consultancy role.
“I am very excited to return to international rugby, especially to join up with Les and the team to build on the foundations that have been put in place,” McLeod said.
“There is a lot of excitement building within Rugby Australia and I am really committed to doing my part. I am looking forward to connecting with RA, the players and everyone who is invested in this team.”
McLeod had an esteemed career in the centres for the Chiefs and All Blacks, playing ten Tests.
Following this, he transitioned into a coaching role and made his new as an assistant for the Highlanders.
This includes stepping into the interim head coaching role in 2017, inspiring the Dunedin-based side to an upset victory over the British & Irish Lions.
But McLeod’s finest work would come with the All Blacks, replacing defensive mastermind Wayne Smith for close to 90 Tests.
His defensive work helped them to the World Cup final in 2023, receiving significant praise for his work in their 28-24 quarter-final win over Ireland in which the All Blacks made 276 tackles, 100 of which were in a tense final quarter.
“On behalf of the Wallabies group, we are delighted to bring a coach of Scott’s experience and character into our national environment ahead of an important period for the squad. Les Kiss and I have had productive discussions with Scott over the last few months and we could see the value he would bring to the Wallabies coaching team and management as a whole,” RA Director of High Performance Peter Horne said.
“From the Highlanders’ first Super Rugby title in 2015 to the most recent Rugby World Cup final, Scott’s resume and reputation are of the highest calibre and I am confident he will make a positive impact on the Wallabies.
“Scott has a great understanding of the environment and standards Joe Schmidt has driven since joining the Wallabies, having coached alongside him with the All Blacks, and will provide great support to Les as he transitions into the Head Coach position.
“I would also like to take the opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to Laurie Fisher for his outstanding service to Australian Rugby, which will continue in a consultancy capacity moving forward. ‘Lord’ is a much-loved and respected figure in our game and we are extremely pleased he will continue with us leading in to next year’s home next year’s home Rugby World Cup.”
