McDermott has experience with both coaches, with Kiss backing McDermott as his co-captain in 2024 and 2025 and backed up the suggestion that it would be a seamless transition between the two when the time comes to hand over the duties.

Les Kiss said he expected a seamless transition into the Wallabies coaching role when he succeeds New Zealander Joe Schmidt next July, little more than a year out from the 2027 World Cup on home soil.

Les Kiss will become Wallabies head coach in July 2026 following Joe Schmidt's decision to oversee the British & Irish Lions series, after which he will exit the role. The next Wallabies coach will step into his role following the extension of Joe Schmidt's coaching period by nine months.