Former Ulster director of rugby Les Kiss will succeed Joe Schmidt as Wallabies coach, but will not take charge until next year after the New Zealander agreed to extend his reign by another nine months.
Kiss, currently at the helm of Queensland Reds, worked closely with Schmidt at Ireland and was tipped take over as Australia coach when the New Zealander steps down following this year's Rugby Championship and British and Irish Lions series in August.
Schmidt, who replaced Eddie Jones after the Wallabies' group-stage exit from the 2023 World Cup in France, announced in February he would step down to spend more time with his family in New Zealand and help look after his youngest son, who has severe epilepsy.
However a change of heart has seen him commit to staying in the role until July 2026.
Kiss will take over the Wallabies on a two-year deal after finishing his third season as Queensland Reds coach with only 14 months to put his stamp on the test side before the 2027 World Cup on home soil.
Former rugby league international Kiss switched to coaching rugby union over 20 years ago and was defence coach under Declan Kidney when Ireland won the 2009 Six Nations and a first Grand Slam since 1948.
He remained defence coach when Schmidt (above) succeeded Kidney in 2013 and helped the New Zealander win the Six Nations the following year.
After further coaching roles at Ulster and London Irish, Kiss returned to Australia to take over the Reds in 2024.
"I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as Wallabies coach from next year," Kiss said in a statement.
"Joe and I have a strong relationship and a long history of working together, and I am looking forward to building upon the excellent foundations he has laid with the Wallabies.
"To coach our national team through such an important period, highlighted by a home Rugby World Cup in 2027, is the honour of a lifetime..."
Two-times world champions Australia are currently ranked eighth in the world and crashed out of the last World Cup in the pool stage but showed genuine signs of improvement under Schmidt towards the end of last season.
"My intention to finish at the end of this year's Rugby Championship has been adjusted to fit with Les's availability," said Schmidt.
"For my family, the extension until the end of next July means that they will spend more time with me in Sydney so we will hopefully find a good balance."
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