Kiss era to begin for Australia

Les Kiss is set to take charge of the Wallabies for the first time next August with a debut match planned against Japan. His appointment marks the next phase of Rugby Australia’s long term rebuild as the national side continues its preparation for the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil.

Kiss currently coaches the Queensland Reds and will officially step into the national role once Joe Schmidt completes his commitments earlier in the 2026 season. The transition has been planned to give both coaches stability and clarity during a busy international calendar.

Australia will face Japan twice in August, with the first match scheduled to take place overseas before returning home for the second fixture in Townsville the following week. Those games will be used as early building blocks for Kiss to shape his preferred systems and identify his core squad.

The remainder of the 2026 season will see the Wallabies involved in matches against traditional Rugby Championship rivals as well as a run of northern hemisphere tests later in the year. Rugby Australia views this schedule as an ideal opportunity for Kiss to establish consistency and long term direction.

The Wallabies have endured a difficult period marked by inconsistency and a record number of losses across a single season. Kiss will be tasked with restoring belief, structure, and confidence among players and supporters.

Although there is pressure, Rugby Australia believes his experience, calm presence, and clear coaching style make him the right person to guide the national side into a crucial era.