Les Kiss Confirmed as Wallabies Coach, Expected to Lead Team to 2027 World Cup

Les Kiss is set to be officially announced as the new head coach of the Wallabies, succeeding Joe Schmidt, following tense negotiations and a compensation agreement between Rugby Australia and the Queensland Rugby Union. Kiss, who has a strong coaching background and has recently elevated player performance at the Queensland Reds, will guide the Wallabies through the 2027 World Cup on home soil. He is credited with reviving the careers of several Reds players, including Seru Uru, and has fostered new talent for the national squad. While Kiss will take charge after the current Rugby Championship, he may work alongside Schmidt during the transition period. His appointment is viewed as a promising move for Australian rugby, though expectations are tempered given the recent instability in coaching roles and the need for squad rebuilding. The transition also means Kiss will not complete his original contract with the Reds, who released him after securing compensation from Rugby Australia.