As speculation swirls around who will take the reins of the Wallabies after Joe Schmidt’s post-World Cup departure, current captain Harry Wilson is keeping mum on whether he’s nudging Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss to vie for the role. With the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil looming, the question of Schmidt’s successor is a hot topic in Australian rugby circles.
The Kiss Connection
Les Kiss, who previously worked with Schmidt during his tenure with Ireland, has emerged as a frontrunner for the Wallabies top job. His experience and existing relationship with the outgoing coach make him an obvious candidate. However, when pressed on whether he’s been in Kiss’s ear about taking on the challenge, Wilson played it coy.
I have not spoken to him (Kiss) about it at all. I’m just worried about Les picking me for this weekend against Moana Pasifika, so I wouldn’t be thinking that far ahead.
– Harry Wilson, Wallabies captain
Singular Focus
Wilson emphasized that both he and Kiss are laser-focused on the task at hand – preparing the Reds for a successful Super Rugby Pacific campaign. With their season opener against Moana Pasifika just days away, the flanker insisted that long-term speculation was the furthest thing from their minds.
And I guess for Les, he’s got so much on his plate right now. He’s been preparing for the last six, seven months for this weekend and this season ahead.
– Harry Wilson, Wallabies captain
Schmidt’s Swan Song
While disappointed to see Schmidt go, Wilson applauded the New Zealander for giving ample notice of his intentions. This early heads-up allows Rugby Australia to conduct a thorough search for his replacement without being caught off-guard after the high-stakes British & Irish Lions series and Rugby Championship.
It is nice to know what’s happening with Joe and for the Lions tour and Rugby Championship. I know as a playing group, we’re all really grateful that he’s sticking around for that little extra period.
– Harry Wilson, Wallabies captain
Passing the Torch
Wilson expressed confidence that once a new head coach is named, Schmidt will work closely with them to ensure a smooth transition. This continuity will be crucial as the Wallabies gear up for a grueling Rugby Championship campaign against the world champion Springboks and other top-tier opponents.
I’ve got no doubt once the next coach is sorted, he’ll be in there and learning the way we go about our business so it’s a smooth transition from there.
– Harry Wilson, Wallabies captain
As the coaching carousel spins, all eyes will be on potential candidates like Kiss, Stephen Larkham, Dan McKellar, and Michael Cheika. But for now, Wilson and his Wallabies teammates are singularly focused on performing for their respective Super Rugby Pacific sides, knowing that impressive displays will be the best way to catch the eye of whoever ultimately takes the top job.
