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.

Les Kiss will take over as Wallabies head coach from Joe Schmidt next year as Australia finetunes for the 2027 Rugby World Cup it is hosting. Rugby Australia announced the appointment Wednesday, saying it provides an “orderly transfer” from Schmidt to Kiss between the British and Irish Lions tour this year and the next World Cup.

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.