Wallabies set for smooth coaching change from Joe Schmidt to Les Kiss

Les Kiss might be more of a “larrikin” than Joe Schmidt, but their similar coaching styles will benefit the Wallabies.

Star halfback Tate McDermott says the similar styles of Joe Schmidt and Les Kiss will ensure a “seamless” transition of Wallabies coaches next year.

Kiss’ elevation to the role of Wallabies coach was this week confirmed, with the Queensland Reds mentor to take charge of the national team in July 2026 when Schmidt stands down.

Reds captain and Wallabies half McDermott has played under both Kiss and Schmidt, and apart from a maybe a couple of more jokes, he believes little will alter when the changeover occurs in 14 months.

“They’re actually pretty similar in the way they see the game,” McDermott said.

“Both have got really good minds in how to attack teams, how to break teams apart, and both are great communicators to the players.

“Joe is probably a little bit more serious, whereas Les is a larrikin, but the way that they see the game, and the way they approach training, the way they approach games is very similar, so the transition will be seamless.”

Joe Schmidt (left) will hand over the Wallabies’ coaching reins to Les Kiss in July next year, Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

McDermott said with Schmidt and Kiss having previously worked together with Ireland’s national team, there was likely to be good communication between them ahead of the coaching change.

“It’s great news to have a little bit of familiarity for the playing squad and for Rugby Australia,” he said.

McDermott was delighted for Kiss and was also pleased the future Wallabies coach would remain in charge of the Reds until the end of next year’s Super Rugby Pacific season.

“I’m really happy for Les. It’s a huge honour to coach the Wallabies, and from a Wallabies point of view, now that there’s certainty in what’s going to happen over the next 12 months is really important,” he said.

“From a Reds point of view, it doesn’t really change much. Les is going to see out his contract, and he’s a huge asset to our club.

“The boys absolutely love playing under him.”

Final prep in Fiji pic.twitter.com/jIkrZKhBMT

— Queensland Reds (@Reds_Rugby) May 2, 2025

The Reds will chase a third successive win on Saturday when they meet Fijian Drua in Suva.

And despite the Drua being last on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder, fourth-placed Queensland will be anything but complacent.

“We're yet to win a game in Fiji, and you look at the teams that have come over here over the last couple of years … Fijian sides are unpredictable and incredibly strong in front of their home fans, so we’re expecting exactly the same,” McDermott said.

“We’re expecting a strong pack. They’re going to be dangerous. We’ve got to make sure we … stick to what we do well for long periods of time. It should be a good day, but we’re very wary of the threat that the Fijians pose.

“We need to respect that and try to nullify it as best as we can.”

Originally published as Wallabies set for smooth coaching change from Joe Schmidt to Les Kiss