Wallabies coach Schmidt extend reigns, Kiss confirmed as successor

SYDNEY :Former rugby league international Les Kiss will succeed Joe Schmidt as Wallabies coach but will not take charge until next year after the New Zealander agreed to extend his reign by another nine months, Rugby Australia said on Wednesday.

Schmidt's departure was originally scheduled for after the British & Irish Lions test series in August but the former Ireland coach is now committed to staying on until July 2026.

Kiss, 60, will therefore take over the Wallabies on a two-year deal after finishing his third season as Queensland Reds coach with only 14 months to put his stamp on the test side before the 2027 World Cup on home soil.

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

"I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as Wallabies coach from next year," Kiss said in a news release.

"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.

"To coach our national team through such an important period, highlighted by a home Rugby World Cup in 2027, is the honour of a lifetime..."

Kiss, who started his rugby union career as defence coach for the Springboks in 2001, took over at the Reds last year and was the favourite to land the job once Schmidt made it clear he would not be sticking around until the World Cup.

Schmidt originally signed a short-term deal up until the end of the Lions series because of his desire to spend more time with his family in New Zealand and help look after his youngest son, who has severe epilepsy.

Two-times