Les Kiss named new Wallabies coach from mid-2026 and Joe Schmidt remains in role until then

By Canadian Press on April 29, 2025.

SYDNEY (AP) — Rugby Australia said Wednesday it has appointed Les Kiss as the next Wallabies head coach from mid-2026 through to the end of 2028, with current head coach Joe Schmidt to continue in that role in the interim.

It said the move would provide an “orderly transfer” from Schmidt to Kiss between the British and Irish Lions tour this year and the Rugby World Cup in 2027,

Schmidt and Kiss have worked together for well over a decade, including a successful stint with Ireland that included three Six Nations titles and a Rugby World Cup in 2015.

Schmidt had initially said he was leaving the team this year but now says he’s looking forward to extending his tenure with the Wallabies.

“My intention to finish at the end of this year’s Rugby Championship has been adjusted to fit with Les’s availability,” Schmidt said. “I think he’s doing a great job with the Reds, so it was important to dovetail with his responsibilities there.”

Kiss’ coaching career has spanned more than 20 years and included senior roles in Australia, Ireland, England and South Africa. He will remain as Queensland Reds head coach until the end of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season before moving to the Wallabies.

“Joe and I have a strong relationship and a long history of working together, and I am looking forward to building upon the excellent foundations he has laid with the Wallabies,” Kiss said in a statement.

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AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby

The Associated Press

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