John Ulugia extends Wallabies role

Rugby Australia have confirmed that John Ulugia will continue as Wallabies scrum coach after signing a new agreement through to the end of 2028.

Queensland Reds assistant coach Jonny Fisher will also join the national coaching setup under incoming head coach Les Kiss after the July Nations Championship Tests.

John Ulugia Extends Wallabies Scrum Coach Role

Ulugia first joined the Wallabies during last year’s Spring Tour after Mike Cron stepped away from the full-time team role and moved into an advisory position with Rugby Australia.

A former professional player, Ulugia earned 50 Super Rugby caps with the NSW Waratahs and ACT Brumbies. He also made more than 150 Top 14 appearances for ASM Clermont Auvergne and Bayonne before moving into coaching.

Ulugia will continue in his role with the ACT Brumbies alongside his Wallabies responsibilities.

Jonny Fisher To Join Wallabies Coaching Staff

Fisher will join the Wallabies staff after the July Nations Championship Tests. He currently works as an assistant coach with the Queensland Reds and previously moved from London to Brisbane alongside Kiss before the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Before coaching, Fisher played more than 100 professional matches in the United Kingdom and also represented England Sevens and England Saxons.

Wallabies Build Coaching Team Under Les Kiss

Rugby Australia Director of High Performance Peter Horne said Ulugia and Fisher bring expertise, stability and continuity to the Wallabies programme.

“We are delighted to secure both John and Jonny for the Wallabies coaching team.

“John has thrived during his time at the Brumbies and under the ongoing mentorship of Mike Cron. He made a positive impact on the Wallabies environment from the moment he joined the squad last year and we are excited to continue that association moving forward.

“Jonny has worked closely with Les Kiss dating back to their days at London Irish and, more recently, at the Queensland Reds and we look forward to welcoming him to the Wallabies staff after the first leg of the Nations Championship."

The wider coaching team under Kiss will include Scott McLeod, Tom Donnelly and Eoin Toolan. Rugby Australia said the group’s Super Rugby Pacific experience will help strengthen the national setup ahead of the next home Rugby World Cup.