Les Kiss set to be appointed as Wallabies head coach

Les Kiss is set to take over as head coach of the Australian national rugby union team, the Wallabies, marking a pivotal change in leadership as the squad looks ahead to the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil.

The official announcement is expected soon, solidifying Kiss as the successor to Joe Schmidt.

Kiss, currently serving as head coach of the Queensland Reds, will assume the top role for the Wallabies. However, he is expected to honour his existing contract with the Reds, which runs through the 2026 Super Rugby season. This overlap may mean Schmidt continues to guide the Wallabies until mid-2026 to ensure a smooth handover.

Joe Schmidt had earlier announced his decision to step down following the upcoming Rugby Championship, citing the need to focus on his family.

His leadership brought a degree of calm and direction to a national side that had cycled through five coaches in just six years.

Kiss brings over two decades of coaching experience, with a decorated background that includes roles with Ireland, Ulster, and London Irish.

He played a critical role in Ireland’s Grand Slam triumph in 2009 and their Six Nations win in 2014. Known for his strategic approach and calm demeanor, he is seen as the ideal candidate to continue building on the foundation laid by Schmidt.