Les Kiss will replace Joe Schmidt as Australia head coach in 2026 and will lead the Wallabies in their home Rugby World Cup the following year.

Schmidt will remain in his role for the upcoming Test series against the British and Irish Lions and the Rugby Championship, before leading the Wallabies into next year’s inaugural Nations Cup.

Kiss, who previously worked under Schmidt as an assistant coach with Ireland, will remain Queensland Reds head coach until midway through 2026, when Rugby Australia says there will be an “orderly transfer” in leadership.

Australian Kiss, who will become the Wallabies’ fifth head coach in seven years, said leading his country at a home World Cup will be the “honour of a lifetime”.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time for Australian rugby and I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as Wallabies head coach from next year,” the 60-year-old said.

Kiss, formerly director of rugby at Ulster and head coach at London Irish, added: “Joe and I have a strong relationship and a long history of working together, and I am looking forward to building upon the excellent foundations he has laid with the Wallabies.

“I am thrilled to continue with the Reds for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season before transitioning into the Wallabies environment. To coach our national team through such an important period, highlighted by a home Rugby World Cup in 2027, is the honour of a lifetime and an opportunity I am truly grateful for.”