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Incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss is optimistic about his preparation time for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, even though he will officially take over the national team in mid-2026.
Rugby Australia announced that current head coach Joe Schmidt will remain at the helm for the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour and until July next year. This arrangement allows Kiss to fulfill his obligations with the Queensland Reds.
Throughout this period, Kiss will concentrate solely on the Reds, while maintaining regular communication with Schmidt, leveraging his experience as they collaborate on team strategies and player development.
Though Kiss will have just over a year in his role before the World Cup kicks off in Australia in October 2027, both coaches are confident that their long-standing friendship and extensive history of working together—including their successful tenure with Ireland—will facilitate a seamless transition.
“This opportunity is both daunting and exhilarating,” Kiss remarked during his introduction at Allianz Stadium. “It’s a privilege to take on this role.
“The synergy we have in our vision for the game and culture-building offers a solid foundation. There will be no room for excuses.
“I’m eager to integrate my unique perspectives while drawing from established practices, ensuring a continuation that is vital.”
Kiss’s coaching journey follows a notable playing career in rugby league, where he made 100 appearances for the North Sydney Bears and represented Queensland in the State of Origin. Transitioning to rugby union, he began as a defensive coach in South Africa before serving as an assistant at the NSW Waratahs. His résumé includes stints on the Ireland coaching staff under Schmidt, as well as leadership roles at Ulster and London Irish.
Now 60, Kiss has returned to Australia to lead the Reds ahead of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, achieving a fifth-place finish in his first year. Currently, the Reds sit fourth on the league table, with six wins and three losses as they approach the final rounds.
“My responsibility as the Reds coach is to maximize our potential within that environment, as a stronger Reds contributes to a healthier rugby landscape in Australia,” Kiss stated. “I’m committed to nurturing something special in our camp. With the Lions series and other critical Test matches on the horizon, I’m fully aware of my objectives.”
During Rugby Australia’s search for Schmidt’s successor, the outgoing coach maintained a professional distance but expressed his satisfaction with Kiss’s appointment. Although Schmidt agreed to extend his tenure as Wallabies coach for an additional year, he opted not to lead the team further into the World Cup cycle.
“I have a strong rapport with Les, having coached alongside him successfully,” Schmidt noted. “This bond assures continuity, especially after a season that saw the introduction of 19 debutantes. While significant change was essential last year, now we have a solid foundation in place.
“When asked about collaborating with Les, I confidently affirmed my belief in our ability to combine our strengths effectively. Our shared philosophy will enable a smooth transition without the stark contrasts that marked last year’s shifts.”
Source
www.theguardian.com