Former Springbok assistant coach to be named next Wallabies boss

A former Springbok assistant coach is set to become the Australian Wallabies’ new head coach, according to reports out of Australia.

Les Kiss has been named as the likely replacement for current Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, who is set to step down in the middle of next year.

Kiss, who is currently in charge of the Queensland Reds, will see out next year’s Super Rugby competition before taking charge of the Wallabies.

Rugby Australia are expected to make an announcement on Wednesday, according to reports.

Bok defence coach

Kiss will have just over a year in charge of the Wallabies before Australia host the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The Springboks will be gunning for a third straight World Cup win, having won in 2019 and 2023.

The 60-year-old Kiss will be well-known to South African rugby fans. He was appointed as Springboks defence coach in 2000 under then head coach Harry Viljoen and served in the position for two years, until Viljoen quit his position.

At that stage Kiss had a mainly rugby league background.

Kiss has also served as director of rugby at Ulster, as head coach of London Irish and as assistant coach to the Irish national team.

Schmidt’s final games in charge this season will include the three Tests against the British and Irish Lions and the Rugby Championship.