Rugby Australia is set to announce Les Kiss as the new head coach of the Wallabies on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, marking a significant transition in Australian rugby. Kiss, currently at the helm of the Queensland Reds, will replace outgoing coach Joe Schmidt, who has decided to step down after the Rugby Championship concludes in October. This change comes amidst a backdrop of fluctuating fortunes for the Wallabies, who recently endured a disappointing World Cup campaign.
As the fifth coach in six years, Kiss's appointment is a crucial step for Rugby Australia as they aim to rebuild and prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will be hosted on home soil. Kiss, 60, has been a prominent figure in rugby coaching, with a career that spans over two decades and includes significant achievements both in Australia and abroad.
Les Kiss has had an illustrious coaching journey, starting as a defence coach with the Springboks in 2001 before moving on to assistant roles with the Waratahs and the Ireland national team. His time with Ireland was particularly fruitful, contributing to their Six Nations victories in 2009 and 2014-15. After successful stints at Ulster and London Irish, Kiss returned to Australia in 2023 to lead the Queensland Reds, where he has made a considerable impact, leading the team to solid performances in the Super Rugby competition.
In a twist that has kept fans and analysts on their toes, Kiss's transition to the Wallabies will not happen immediately. He is expected to continue coaching the Reds until the end of the 2026 Super Rugby season, at which point he will officially take the reins of the national team. This arrangement allows him to focus on the Reds' current season while preparing for his future role.
Phil Waugh, the CEO of Rugby Australia, will formally announce Kiss as Schmidt's successor, confirming that negotiations have been completed with the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) to facilitate this transition. The announcement comes after a series of discussions that highlighted the QRU's desire to retain Kiss until the end of his contract, which was originally set to run until 2026.
Schmidt's decision to extend his tenure with the Wallabies through the end of 2025 was made with family considerations in mind, as he aims to balance his professional commitments with personal responsibilities. While Schmidt has indicated he will vacate the role after the Rugby Championship, there are reports suggesting he may remain involved in a consultancy capacity, should Kiss seek his guidance.
Fans of the Queensland Reds have shown their support throughout Kiss's tenure; the team recently attracted a crowd of 16,924 for a match against the Blues, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for rugby in Brisbane. Earlier in the season, the Reds celebrated a season-high attendance of 20,072 during a match against the Waratahs, indicating a positive trend for the franchise.
As Kiss prepares to lead the Wallabies into a new era, attention will also turn to his potential coaching staff. Questions remain about which of his current assistants at the Reds he might bring along to the national team. Forwards coach Zane Hilton has been particularly noted for his capabilities, and speculation continues regarding the future roles of current Wallabies assistants.
Les Kiss's coaching philosophy, characterized by a deep understanding of the game and a commitment to developing players, has earned him respect across the rugby community. Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones recently endorsed Kiss, stating, "He’s done a great apprenticeship. He coached in Ulster, did a great job at London Irish, and had a number of good mentors around him. He seems to have done a pretty good job at the Reds, so it’s a good opportunity for him." This endorsement underscores the confidence many have in Kiss's ability to lead the Wallabies effectively.
Looking ahead, the Wallabies are currently ranked No. 8 in the world, a position they aim to improve upon as they prepare for the upcoming Rugby Championship and the British and Irish Lions series. The team is still recovering from a challenging 2023 World Cup campaign, where they faced an early exit, marking a turning point in their history.
With Kiss at the helm, Rugby Australia hopes to instill a renewed sense of purpose and direction within the team. His extensive experience as a coach, coupled with a rich history in rugby, positions him well to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. As the countdown to the 2027 Rugby World Cup begins, all eyes will be on Kiss to see how he shapes the future of Australian rugby.
In conclusion, Les Kiss's appointment as Wallabies coach marks a significant moment for Rugby Australia, as they look to rebuild and regain their status among the world's elite rugby nations. With an eye on the future and a commitment to excellence, Kiss's leadership will be pivotal as the Wallabies strive for success on the international stage.
