Reds coach confirms Wallabies talk
02/20/2025 08:09 AM
Les Kiss says he’s had a "small chat" with Rugby Australia about coaching the national team, but Super Rugby rival Dan McKellar doesn't expect to be offered the job.
Kiss, reportedly the front-runner to replace Joe Schmidt as Wallabies head coach after the 2025 Rugby Championship, confirmed he has spoken to the national body.
“I have got Moana [Pasifika] this week. It is open knowledge that RA has spoken to all the coaches in Australia,” Kiss was quoted in the media ahead of the Reds' 2025 Super Rugby Pacific opener on Friday.
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“They have had a small chat with me, but I am focused on getting this [Reds team] right.”
Pressed further, he remained non-committal. “I am interested in winning against Moana. That is my focus, in all honesty,” he added. “That is my respect for this team, to go out and make sure we make a good fist of our first game.”
McKellar, meanwhile, denied any contact from RA. “Have we? That's news to me,” the Waratahs chief said. “I haven't spoken to 'Kissy' in a couple of months, but no, honestly, I'm just cracking on and worrying about the Waratahs.”
While former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is reportedly in discussions about getting back into the hot seat, McKellar played down his own chances.
“I'm not expecting to be offered the Wallabies job. I'm at the Waratahs,” he said.
Photo: Michael Bradley/Getty Images
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