In news that will delight some (and leave others less than enamoured) some rugby sites and columnists report that Rugby Australia has confirmed the appointment of the new Wallabies Head Coach. And I can confirm on these pages that Michael Cheika is not that person. Instead RA has reportedly gone with the little known, won nothing coach of the Queensland People’s Republic of Queensland side, Les Kiss.
The news comes after RA taking a ‘Pulver 48-72 hour’ period (3 months) to reach a decision. In an unexpected twist though, Kiss will remain at the Reds until the completion of SRP 2026, thus fulfilling his contractual obligations. In doing so, St Joe has agreed to extend his time as head coach through until the middle of next year. He will remain head coach for the Rugby Championship, the Northern Tour and oversee the Wallabies program for the first half of the 2026 season. This is a win for pragmatism (and a cost saving for RA) and allows the QRU to make appropriate inquiries before they settle on their next head coach.
It would seem a considered and sensible decision for all, although a shorter runway for Kiss into the 2027 RWC. Although many will recall Mr M Cheika took a team all the way to the finals, only to watch All Black #24 Nigel Owens stiff us. Which does pose the question about who really should have got the gig this time? Hmmmm.
