Harry Wilson yet to discuss Wallabies coaching role with Reds mentor Les Kiss

Reds mentor Les Kiss is considered the favourite to replace Joe Schmidt as Wallabies mentor, but for now his sole focus is guiding Queensland to Super Rugby Pacific glory, according to Australia’s captain, Harry Wilson.

Wallabies captain Harry Wilson is grateful for the clarity Joe Schmidt has provided about his future as Australia’s coach, saying it will assist with the “smooth transition” to his successor.

However, Wilson said it was too early to speculate on whether his current Queensland coach Les Kiss was the right man take over from Schmidt, saying Kiss was fully focused on the Reds’ Super Rugby Pacific campaign, which starts on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium against Moana Pasifika.

New Zealander Schmidt announced earlier this month that would not coach the Wallabies beyond this year’s Rugby Championship despite hopes he would remain in charge for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

Wilson applauded Schmidt for ending the speculation about his future, and for at least staying on beyond this year’s British and Irish Lions tour of Australia for the subsequent Rugby Championship.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt will stand down after this year’s Rugby Championship. Picture: Warren Little/Getty Images

“It is nice to know what’s happening with Joe, and for the Lions tour and the Rugby Championship,” Wilson said.

“I know as a playing group, we’re all really grateful that he’s sticking around for that little extra period for that Rugby Championship, because if he didn’t, it would have left us in a tough spot to go straight from the British and Irish Lions series three days before we jump on a plane to (play) the world champions (South Africa).

“It’s been awesome of Joe to do that for us, and I’ve got no doubt that once the next coach is sorted, he’ll be in there learning the way we go about our business, so it’s a smooth transition from there.”

Kiss, who worked under Schmidt during the latter’s time as Ireland coach, is considered favourite to become Australia’s next coach, with other contenders including Dan McKellar, Stephen Larkham and Michael Cheika.

However. Wilson said he had not spoken to Kiss about coaching Australia.

Wallabies captain Harry Wilson is yet to discuss the Australian coaching role with Les Kiss. Picture: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

“I’m just worried about Les picking me for this weekend against Moana Pasifika, so I wouldn’t be thinking that far ahead,” the Reds and Wallabies No.8 said.

“For Les, he’s got so much on his plate right now. He’s been preparing for the last six, seven months for this weekend and this season ahead.

“I know I won’t be thinking that far ahead (about the possibility of replacing Schmidt), and I know he probably wouldn’t be too.

“I plan on trying to perform for him this year week in, week out for the Reds.”
The Reds had the bye in the first round of the Super Rugby Pacific season after last week returning home from a successful pre-season tour of the United Kingdom where they beat Bristol and Ulster.

“Travelling together, being around each other 24-7 was really good for our group.” Wilson said.

Originally published as Harry Wilson yet to discuss Wallabies coaching role with Reds mentor Les Kiss