Kiss, Schmidt aiming for seamless transition in Wallabies role in 2026

SYDNEY :Les Kiss said he expected a seamless transition into the Wallabies coaching role when he succeeds New Zealander Joe Schmidt next July, little more than a year out from the 2027 World Cup on home soil.

The former rugby league international was confirmed as Wallabies coach-in-waiting on Wednesday but he will first see out his three-year contract at the Queensland Reds after Schmidt agreed to extend his reign by another nine months.

Schmidt's departure was originally scheduled for after the British & Irish Lions test series in August but the former Ireland coach has now agreed to another extension to take him into next year.

The first planned coaching transition for the Wallabies since Eddie Jones replaced Rod Macqueen in 2001 should be eased by Kiss having worked as defence coach during Schmidt's highly successful spell in charge of Ireland.

"We'll find the solutions together," Kiss told a news conference at Sydney Football Stadium.

"I'm not here to rip and tear, I'm going to make sure I dovetail as much as I can and I'll bring my points of difference into play but we have a lot of things in common ...

"If I'm really honest I think in the meat and veg of the game, the real important things, we've got a common ground on, and that's massively important."

Schmidt said he had stayed out of the process of appointing his successor as much as possible but was delighted that his friend had landed the role.

"I know Les really well," he said. "I think we will share a lot of the same philosophy, albeit with a slightly different approach in some areas, but I think that like-minded philosophy will allow a pretty smooth transition ...

"I'm absolutely confident that he'll do a great job "

'SOUNDING BOARD'

Schmidt originally signed a