Les Kiss to coach a combined Australia-New Zealand team against the British and Irish Lions

Queensland Reds boss Kiss will coach a combined Australia-New Zealand XV against the British & Irish Lions in July. PHOTO: AFP

UPDATED May 19, 2025, 05:43 PM

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SYDNEY – Wallabies coach-elect Les Kiss will coach a combined Australia-New Zealand XV and Toutai Kefu the First Nations & Pasifika XV against the British & Irish Lions in tour matches in July, Rugby Australia said on May 19.

Australia has only four Super Rugby sides after the demise of the Melbourne Rebels in 2024 and the Lions will play the tour matches against the invitational sides in Adelaide and Melbourne as preparation for the Test Series.

Queensland Reds boss Kiss, who will take over as Wallabies coach from Joe Schmidt in July 2026, said it would be a privilege to lead the AUNZ side, along with a coaching team including former All Blacks boss Ian Foster for the July 12 clash.

“The British & Irish Lions are one of world sport’s most renowned teams and to be able to play them at an iconic Australian venue such as the Adelaide Oval will be an incredible spectacle,” he said in a press release.

“I’m looking forward to working with a coach like Ian who has wide-ranging experience at the highest level of the game and linking up with the wider management in due course.”