Morgan Turinui, a former Test player, posits that Les Kiss, the Queensland Reds coach, is the leading candidate to assume the role of Wallabies head coach following Joe Schmidt’s impending departure after the Rugby Championship in October. Kiss has been associated with this position since Schmidt announced his exit, largely due to their history together at Ireland, which could see them reuniting ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Schmidt has expressed a desire to relocate to New Zealand for family reasons but is open to taking on an advisory role with Rugby Australia if the incoming coach wishes. Other contenders for the position include former Wallabies assistants Dan McKellar, currently with the NSW Waratahs, and Stephen Larkham from the ACT Brumbies. Turinui believes Schmidt has done an exceptional job and that discussions should be had to persuade him to stay.
Turinui cites Kiss as the frontrunner due to his extensive experience and successful track record with the Reds. “He’s an outstanding coach and a great human,” Turinui remarked, noting the compatibility between Kiss’s coaching style and the Wallabies’ needs.
Commentary on potential successors highlights McKellar’s strong start with the Waratahs—currently the only unbeaten team—and Larkham’s recent success with the Brumbies. According to Turinui, both have the qualities desired for the Wallabies but emphasises that Kiss stands out due to his established rapport with past coaching structures.
Turinui also hints at the possibility of hiring an internationally experienced coach if an Australian is not selected, mentioning Vern Cotter, who has impressed recently.
As the Wallabies prepare for their upcoming fixture on home soil against the British and Irish Lions, attention remains on the Six Nations. Schmidt’s view of cautious optimism resonates as Australian teams see opportunities for growth and success, as exemplified by the Waratahs’ promising performances this season.
With the reshuffling of coaching roles looming, fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing which direction Rugby Australia takes as they aim to solidify their strategies leading to the World Cup.