Les Kiss to lead AUNZ Invitational XV, Kefu to coach First Nations & Pasifika XV

Newly named Wallabies coach from 2026, Les Kiss, will coach the AUNZ Invitational XV against the British and Irish Lions in Adelaide on Saturday the 12th of July.

For the First Nations & Pasifika side who take on the Lions in Melbourne, former Tonga mentor Toutai Kefu has been named as head coach, ahead of the match on Tuesday the 22nd of July at Marvel Stadium.

Kiss will be joined by former All Blacks head coach Ian Foster, who joins as an assistant for the game, in New Zealand and Australia’s first combined team since 1989.

The other coaches for these two teams will be announced in due course.

Kiss, who currently coaches the Reds in Super Rugby Pacific, is excited to be leading the team against the Lions.

“It’s a privilege to be able to lead the coaching group for the combined AUNX Invitational XV,” Kiss told media after the announcement.

“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.

“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.”

Queensland Rugby Union’s General manager of High Performance, Sam Cordingley has no doubt the team will be led well by Kiss.

“Les is an outstanding appointment, which makes a lot of sense as a natural progression. I’m sure a top team is being assembled to have a real crack at the Lions a week out from the First Test.”

Kefu, the former Tonga coach for a period of seven years, featured in the Wallabies squad who won the 2001 series against the British and Irish Lions.

Kefu is honoured to be chosen for the role, and says it’s a hugely important fixture.

“I feel honoured to be named Head Coach of the first ever First Nations & Pasifika XV.”

“First Nations and Pasifika people contribute massively to the game all around the world, and the significance of this game in celebrating those ongoing contributions can’t be overstated, especially against a team with the history of the British & Irish Lions.

“I’m looking forward to getting together as a group in July and representing our people with a strong performance at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium.”