New Wallabies Coach Kiss to Lead Team vs Lions

Wallabies

Les Kiss, who will soon become the Wallabies’ head coach, has been chosen to lead the Australia-New Zealand Invitational XV. Toutai Kefu will coach the First Nations & Pasifika XV. Both teams will face the British & Irish Lions in warm-up matches this July, Rugby Australia announced on Monday.

Since the Melbourne Rebels are no longer part of Super Rugby, Australia now has only four teams. So, the Lions will play against these special invitational teams in Adelaide and Melbourne before the official test series begins.

Kiss, who replaces current Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt next year, said it’s an honor to coach the AU-NZ team. He’ll be joined by experienced coaches, including former All Blacks head coach Ian Foster, for the match on July 12 in Adelaide.

“The British & Irish Lions are one of the most famous teams in world sport,” said Kiss. “Playing them at Adelaide Oval will be amazing. I’m excited to work with Ian Foster and the rest of the coaching team.”

Former Tonga coach and World Cup-winning Wallabies player Toutai Kefu will lead the First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne on July 22.

“It’s a huge honor,” Kefu said. “First Nations and Pasifika players have made a big impact on rugby worldwide. This match celebrates their ongoing contributions, and playing against a team like the Lions makes it even more special.”

The Lions’ three test matches against Australia will take place on July 19 in Brisbane, July 26 in Melbourne, and August 2 in Sydney.

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