Wallabies Coach Joe Schmidt Hands Over to Les Kiss After Italy Victory

Joe Schmidt concluded his three‑year term as head coach of the Australian Wallabies with a record of 12 wins from 31 tests, the worst losing‑strike rate for a Wallabies coach in 55 years. His tenure ended after the team snapped a six‑match losing streak by defeating Italy 57‑10 in the Nations Championship, a result Schmidt described as lifting his “depressed” mood.

Schmidt officially handed the reins to Les Kiss, who will lead the side as Australia prepares to host the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The win, achieved in Perth, gave supporters renewed hope for the eighth‑ranked Wallabies ahead of the tournament. Schmidt noted that despite the challenges, he left a stronger, deeper squad for his successor.

The transition follows a period of under‑performance that saw the Wallabies miss the knockout stage of the 2023 World Cup for the first time. With the upcoming World Cup and upcoming tests, Kiss faces the task of building on the recent positive momentum.