Exclusive: Kiss bombshell – Wallaby job delayed to mid-2026, Reds retain coach for Super Rugby charge
In a bombshell development, Les Kiss is set to be unveiled as Joe Schmidt’s successor – but the Reds coach won’t start in the role for more than a year.
The Roar understands that Rugby Australia didn’t want to pay a compensation fee to the Queensland Rugby Union to take over from Schmidt immediately after The Rugby Championship in early October.
Kiss was expected to lead the Wallabies against Japan on October 25, before a four-Test tour of Europe and the United Kingdom.
It’s unclear who will charged with leading the Wallabies in those five Tests, with sources telling The Roar that Schmidt could continue in the role until year’s end. Former England boss and Leinster senior coach Stuart Lancaster is also in conversations with RA.
Queensland Reds head coach Les Kiss will see out his contract with the QRU. (Photo by Michael Bradley/Getty Images)
More to come.