Rugby Australia open to idea of next Wallabies coach also being in charge of a Super Rugby team

A potential hurdle to Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss taking charge of the Wallabies has been removed by Rugby Australia.

Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh has left the door open for Les Kiss to coach both Queensland and Wallabies until his Reds contract expires next year.

Kiss is considered to be RA’s preferred option to take charge of the Wallabies when national coach Joe Schmidt stands down in October after the Rugby Championship.

A potential hurdle was Kiss’s three-year deal with the Reds that doesn’t expire until next year.

However, Waugh on Wednesday suggested the next Wallabies coach could, at least temporarily, remain in charge of a Super Rugby Pacific outfit.

“We’re going to get to the best possible outcome, and if that includes shared services, job-share kind of things, then we’ll do that,” Waugh said.

“We’re confident we’ll get the balance right between shared services or resources and ensuring we’ve got the world’s best coaches leading the international program.”

Kiss, 60, has guided Queensland to third place on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder ahead of the Reds’ clash with the fifth-placed ACT Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh is open to the idea of the next Wallabies coach also guiding the fortunes of a Super Rugby Pacific team. Picture: Tim Hunter

Meanwhile, Waratahs star Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i said a host of potential Wallabies were playing well at Super Rugby level because the carat of representing Australia against the British and Irish Lions in July and August.

“I feel like that’s why a lot of Australian boys are playing really good rugby,” said Sua’ali’i, who switched from rugby league late last year.

“In the back of their head, they know there’s a Lions tour this year and it (only) happens every 12 years (in Australia).”

Sua’ali’i had been hampered by a toe injury in his maiden Super Rugby Pacific season but said his time on the sidelines had given him a “different perspective” on rugby season.

“I know it’s all a process … but I’m not going to be my best self straight away,” he said.

“I’ve been loving that I’ve been watching each game and seeing how I can build and build.

“It’s just about building from each game and seeing what I can work on, which is exciting.”

RA on Wednesday confirmed a new five-year broadcast deal – worth up to $240m – with the Nine Network and Stan Sport.