Statement: Wallabies confirm new head coach to replace Joe Schmidt

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Schmidt, who has played a pivotal role in shaping the Wallabies, will continue in his current role for the upcoming Test series against the British and Irish Lions, as well as the Rugby Championship. He will then guide the team through next year's inaugural Nations Cup before handing over the reins to Kiss in 2026.

Kiss, who previously worked as Schmidt's assistant coach with Ireland, will remain as head coach of Queensland Reds until mid-2026. Rugby Australia has confirmed that there will be a smooth "orderly transfer" of leadership during this time.

A proud Australian, Kiss shared his excitement about the appointment, stating: "Leading my country at a home World Cup will be the honour of a lifetime. It’s an incredibly exciting time for Australian rugby, and I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as Wallabies head coach from next year."

At 60, Kiss brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously been the director of rugby at Ulster and head coach at London Irish. He is eager to build on the solid foundations Schmidt has laid with the Wallabies, adding: "Joe and I have a strong relationship and a long history of working together, and I’m looking forward to continuing the great work he has done."

Kiss concluded: "I’m thrilled to continue with the Reds for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season before transitioning into the Wallabies environment. To coach our national team through such an important period, highlighted by a home Rugby World Cup in 2027, is truly a dream come true."

The former Lions coach, who famously delivered the spine-tingling ‘Everest’ speech on the 1997 tour, opted for three players per position in a balanced selection for Scottish Rugby News.

And while some inclusions were expected, Telfer hasn’t been afraid to raise eyebrows, especially with some bold calls in the backline.

Ellis Genge is a nailed-on pick at loosehead, joining Ireland’s Andrew Porter and Scotland’s Rory Sutherland.

Despite fitness concerns, Luke Cowan-Dickie is also included at hooker. There’s no England tighthead in the squad — a rare omission.

In the second row, Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum are both in, underlining their continued importance at international level.

Telfer has gone heavy on Englishmen in the back-row — naming Ben Earl and Tom Curry at blindside, with Ben Curry making the cut at openside alongside Josh van der Flier and Jac Morgan.

There’s no room for Zach Mercer, Sam Underhill, or Alex Dombrandt, despite all being part of the England conversation at various points.

Perhaps the biggest surprise is the selection of Tommy Freeman and Tom Roebuck on the wing, with both making huge impressions in the Premiership this season.

They’re joined by Fin Smith at fly-half and George Furbank, who has quietly impressed, as one of three full-back options.

Alex Mitchell is the sole English scrum-half picked, with no room for Danny Care or Harry Randall.

Shockingly, there’s no Owen Farrell, Marcus Smith, or Freddie Steward — three players who’ve carried the England backline for much of the last few years.

Props
Loosehead: Ellis Genge (ENG), Andrew Porter (IRE), Rory Sutherland (SCO)
Tighthead: Tadhg Furlong (IRE), Finlay Bealham (IRE), Zander Fagerson (SCO)

Hookers
Luke Cowan-Dickie (ENG), Dan Sheehan (IRE), Dewi Lake (WAL)

Locks
Maro Itoje (ENG), Ollie Chessum (ENG), Joe McCarthy (IRE), Tadhg Beirne (IRE), Dafydd Jenkins (WAL), Scott Cummings (SCO)

Back Row
Blindside: Tom Curry (ENG), Ben Earl (ENG), Jamie Ritchie (SCO)
Openside: Josh van der Flier (IRE), Ben Curry (ENG), Jac Morgan (WAL)
Number 8: Caelan Doris (IRE), Jack Conan (IRE), Taulupe Faletau (WAL)

Scrum-halves
Jamison Gibson-Park (IRE), Alex Mitchell (ENG), Tomos Williams (WAL)

Fly-halves
Finn Russell (SCO), Fin Smith (ENG), Sam Prendergast (IRE)

Centres
Inside Centre: Bundee Aki (IRE), Sione Tuipulotu (SCO), Ben Thomas (WAL)
Outside Centre: Garry Ringrose (IRE), Huw Jones (SCO), Robbie Henshaw (IRE)

Wingers
Right Wing: Tommy Freeman (ENG), Darcy Graham (SCO), Tom Roebuck (ENG)
Left Wing: James Lowe (IRE), Duhan van der Merwe (SCO), Kyle Steyn (SCO)

Full-backs
Hugo Keenan (IRE), Blair Kinghorn (SCO), George Furbank (ENG)

12 years have passed since Warren Gatland’s men roared to a famous series win over Australia, but how well do you really remember the iconic 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?

From legendary leaders to surprise selections, we’ve lined up every player from that unforgettable tour. All you have to do is name them. No pressure, right?

Take the quiz below and prove your rugby brain still bites.

? Scroll down and get cracking – how many can you get without cheating?