Les Kiss is firming as the next Wallabies’ mentor raising the question of who will coach the Queensland Reds
One of the biggest names in Australian rugby could be on his way back to Super Rugby - as part of a significant coaching switch-up involving the Wallabies’ search for a new mentor.
Rugby
Don't miss out on the headlines from Rugby. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The drawn out appointment of the next Wallabies coach is all but settled, with an announcement expected early next week.
While everything points to former North Sydney Bears winger Les Kiss getting the nod as Joe Schmidt’s successor, officials from Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds are still remaining tight-lipped, giving nothing away.
Even Kiss has been keeping mum, saying his only focus at the moment was on the Reds’ Anzac Day blockbuster clash with the Blues, even though it’s an open secret that part of the delay has been the negotiations to give Queensland something in return for losing their new and highly respected coach.
This column’s snouts say that an agreement has now been reached and although no contracts have been signed yet, that’s more to do with the shortened working week, sandwiched between Easter and Anzac Day, than any disagreements over doing what’s best for the whole Australian system.
Cheika mate
The dilemma for the Reds – who are rebuilding a high-quality squad they believe can soon be the best in Super Rugby – is who would replace Kiss if he left abruptly.
The Reds already have a number of credentialed assistants who could step in but another super candidate has emerged that could trump them all – Michael Cheika.
One of the most successful coaches in world rugby, Cheika is returning to Australia later this year when he finishes with Leicester and doesn’t have a full-time coaching job lined up so is in the market.
While it’s understood the Reds have not spoken with him because Kiss hasn’t left the building yet, Queensland would be nuts not to at least give Cheika a call because he is a proven winner, who many people in the game still believe should have given another crack at the Wallabies job after taking Australia all the way to the 2015 World Cup final.
Not everyone’s cup of tea because he wears his heart on his sleeve and calls things exactly as he sees them, Cheika’s CV and passion for the Australian rugby is beyond reproach and he’s never been more needed than right now to help the embattled code get back to its former glories.
Lest we forget, before taking the Wallabies to the World Cup final, Cheika won a Super Rugby title with the Waratahs and a Heineken Cup with Leinster.
And since leaving Australia, he took over as Argentina coach and helped the Pumas beat nine different countries, including posting historic wins away from home against the Wallabies, New Zealand and England, then made the 2023 World Cup semis.
Cheika has been a revelation since joining Leicester, lifting the East Midlands club from eighth last season to second spot with four games to go.
The Tigers offered Cheika an extension but he’s committed to returning home to Australia with his wife and their children, but loves coaching so will be highly sought after.
New signings
Injured Waratahs captain Jake Gordon has committed himself to the Wallabies’ cause and is poised to sign a new contract within the next fortnight keeping him in Australia.
One of the country’s most versatile halfbacks with a strong kicking, running and passing game, Gordon has made 29 Test appearances for the Wallabies and at 31, he’s the perfect age to lend his experience to the side for the upcoming Lions’ series and 2027 World Cup on home soil.
Rugby Australia has steadily been re-signing its best talent in recent months. As well as Gordon, Len Ikitau has agreed to a further two years and another high-profile Wallaby is getting ready to put pen to paper next week.
Lions tour frenzy
Ticket sales for the British and Irish Lions sales have gone through the roof, with more than half a million already snapped up.
That already shatters the all-time attendance record for any Lions tour – in Australia, New Zealand or South Africa – which currently stands at 380,000.
There are still a few tickets left at affordable prices but the cost of hotels and flights between host cities is insane.
While there are cheaper flights available in the morning and evening, the cost of flying with Qantas from Brisbane to Melbourne on the day after the first Test is eye-watering.
The cheapest one-way flight between the hours of 10am and 4.20pm is $495 with the 12.15pm lunchtime flight costing a staggering $1319 for the two and a half-hour hop from Queensland to Victoria.
With more than 40,000 Lions fans travelling to Australia for the tour, the host cities are all trying to outdo each other with activities to keep the visitors happy and spending big.
So far, Queensland is way in front with plans to stage an All-Star darts night at the Fortitude Musical Hall.
The opposing line-ups have yet to be announced but it can be revealed the Aussie team will feature none other than Simon ‘The wizard” Whitlock and an ex Wallaby who fancies himself from the oche.
More Coverage
Originally published as Les Kiss is firming as the next Wallabies’ mentor raising the question of who will coach the Queensland Reds
Players to Watch ahead of bumper round starting AIC First XV rugby
AIC First XV rugby: Who will be the Players to Watch this season? The list includes a Padua maestro, a son of a gun from Marist, a special talent from St Pat’s and a St Edmund’s top gun. FULL LIST
‘It’s still wide open’: Australian U20 rugby guns on World Cup notice
Country hardmen, sons of guns, an Olympic hopeful and young guns tearing it up in 1st Colts are part of a new wave of rugby hoping to make a mark on the international stage in May.