Les Kiss has been officially appointed as the next Wallabies coach, finalizing a lengthy selection process and becoming the fifth coach in six years.

This appointment comes strategically ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, as the Wallabies aim to improve their current No. 8 world ranking following a disappointing campaign in 2023 under Eddie Jones.

Kiss has a strong background in rugby, having played for the Queensland State of Origin and the Kangaroos, along with a notable coaching career that spans 25 years in rugby union.

Eddie Jones, a former Wallabies coach, endorsed Kiss as a Test calibre coach, praising his impressive coaching journey and accomplishments.

Kiss took over the Queensland Reds after Brad Thorn's departure and has received widespread support from the rugby community, indicating confidence in his ability to lead the Wallabies.

He inherits a committed core group of Wallabies players who have pledged their availability through the 2027 World Cup, which is critical for building a competitive squad.

Kiss's coaching experience includes successful stints with the Springboks and the NSW Waratahs, as well as a notable partnership with Joe Schmidt at Ireland and Ulster.

He played a pivotal role in Ireland's upset victory over Australia at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, implementing the innovative choke-tackle technique.

Following his time with Ireland, Kiss served as director of rugby at Ulster and head coach at London Irish until the club's closure in 2023.

Kiss replaces Joe Schmidt, who announced in February 2025 that he would step down for family reasons after the Rugby Championship concludes in October 2025.

Although Kiss was previously contracted to the Queensland Rugby Union until the end of 2026, he negotiated a release to take on the Wallabies position.

Kiss will address the media in Sydney on April 30, 2025, before joining the Queensland Reds for their Super Rugby Pacific match against Fiji.