MELBOURNE (Reuters) -Les Kiss will launch his tenure as Australia coach against Eddie Jones's Japan next August as part of the Wallabies' 14-test schedule in 2026.

Queensland Reds coach Kiss will take over from current Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt after the first Nations Championship matches against Ireland, France and Italy in July.

Australia meet Japan away on August 8 at a venue to be confirmed before playing the Brave Blossoms again at Townsville a week later, Rugby Australia said on Wednesday.