In a recent revelation, Joe Schmidt, the current head coach of the Wallabies, has confirmed that Les Kiss, his designated successor, will begin influencing team selections even before officially taking over the reins later this year. This strategic move comes as Australia gears up to host a series of Nations Championship Tests against Ireland, France, and Italy this July. Kiss, presently at the helm of the Reds, will assume full coaching responsibilities following these initial matches, leading the team through the 2026 international season up to next year's Rugby World Cup on home turf.
Schmidt and Kiss are well-acquainted from their time together on the Ireland coaching staff between 2013 and 2019. Reflecting on the collaborative nature of their relationship, Schmidt shared,
“I’ll definitely involve Les in anything selection-wise. It’s very much a collective (with the assistant coaches), and on the back of that I’ll run things past Les and there’s a little bit of influence he can have.”
Kiss will be closely observing the Wallabies' preparations in Brisbane and Perth, providing him a primer before Schmidt steps down.
The discussion around player selection has been particularly poignant with regards to Reds fly-half Tom Lynagh, whose season has been marred by injuries and illness. Despite limited playtime, Schmidt sees potential in Lynagh, emphasizing, "He’s going to need some sort of game time, but it doesn’t have to be a whole heap." Schmidt also highlighted the situation of Tate McDermott, who is in a similar position of needing to prove his readiness and fitness.
Further enriching the selection conversation, Schmidt revealed his ongoing communications with Jordan Petaia, who has been making significant strides at French club Perpignan. Schmidt noted,
“I talk to Jordy Petaia a bit … he’s looked really good. He’s playing big at the moment. He came in as a kid – was always quite lean – but now he’s playing with a bit more authority.”
Regarding the experienced fly-halves James O’Connor and Bernard Foley, who have been linked with returns to Super Rugby, Schmidt deferred to Kiss, indicating that decisions on their involvement in the July Tests would fall to him.
This evolving dynamic between Schmidt and Kiss suggests a seamless transition in leadership, with a keen eye on nurturing talent and strategic foresight, ensuring the Wallabies are well-prepared for the challenges of the international rugby landscape.
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In a recent revelation, Joe Schmidt, the current head coach of the Wallabies, has confirmed that Les Kiss, his designated successor, will begin influencing team selections even before officially taking over the reins later this year. This strategic move comes as Australia gears up to host a series of Nations Championship Tests against Ireland, France, and Italy this July. Kiss, presently at the helm of the Reds, will assume full coaching responsibilities following these initial matches, leading the team through the 2026 international season up to next year's Rugby World Cup on home turf.
Schmidt and Kiss are well-acquainted from their time together on the Ireland coaching staff between 2013 and 2019. Reflecting on the collaborative nature of their relationship, Schmidt shared,
“I’ll definitely involve Les in anything selection-wise. It’s very much a collective (with the assistant coaches), and on the back of that I’ll run things past Les and there’s a little bit of influence he can have.”
Kiss will be closely observing the Wallabies' preparations in Brisbane and Perth, providing him a primer before Schmidt steps down.The discussion around player selection has been particularly poignant with regards to Reds fly-half Tom Lynagh, whose season has been marred by injuries and illness. Despite limited playtime, Schmidt sees potential in Lynagh, emphasizing, "He’s going to need some sort of game time, but it doesn’t have to be a whole heap." Schmidt also highlighted the situation of Tate McDermott, who is in a similar position of needing to prove his readiness and fitness.
Further enriching the selection conversation, Schmidt revealed his ongoing communications with Jordan Petaia, who has been making significant strides at French club Perpignan. Schmidt noted,
“I talk to Jordy Petaia a bit … he’s looked really good. He’s playing big at the moment. He came in as a kid – was always quite lean – but now he’s playing with a bit more authority.”
Regarding the experienced fly-halves James O’Connor and Bernard Foley, who have been linked with returns to Super Rugby, Schmidt deferred to Kiss, indicating that decisions on their involvement in the July Tests would fall to him.
This evolving dynamic between Schmidt and Kiss suggests a seamless transition in leadership, with a keen eye on nurturing talent and strategic foresight, ensuring the Wallabies are well-prepared for the challenges of the international rugby landscape.