Wallabies appoint former All Blacks defence coach as assistant

The Wallabies have announced that former All Blacks assistant Scott McLeod will join Les Kiss’ coaching team in 2026, a number of years after his last international gig.

McLeod has been signed as the team’s new defence coach for the next three years, a specific role he held under both Steve Hansen and Ian Foster for the All Blacks.

With McLeod’s appointment, current Wallabies assistant Laurie Fisher will move to a consultancy role, where he will look to improve the continuity in the Australian men’s High Performance system ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup hosted in Australia.

The Brisbane-born defence coach spent eight years in Japan as a player before returning to New Zealand to coach the Chiefs, Waikato, and the Highlanders before transitioning into the national setup.

Most recently, the newly named Wallabies defence coach has been an assistant at the Kubota Spears in Japan’s Rugby League One competition, in a side with the likes of Malcom Marx, Bernard Foley, and Shaun Stevenson.

McLeod will join Kiss’ coaching staff ahead of his first game in charge on August 8 against Japan.

The former All Blacks assistant admitted he’s excited to help do his part in preparing the Wallabies for a home Rugby World Cup in 2027.

“I am very excited to return to international rugby, especially to join up with Les and the team to build on the foundations that have been put in place,” McLeod said in a Rugby Australia statement.

“There is a lot of excitement building within Rugby Australia and I am really committed to doing my part. I am looking forward to connecting with RA, the players and everyone who is invested in this team.”

Rugby Australia’s High Performance Director, Peter Horne, said that McLeod’s resume speaks for itself.

“On behalf of the Wallabies group, we are delighted to bring a coach of Scott’s experience and character into our national environment ahead of an important period for the squad. Les Kiss and I have had productive discussions with Scott over the last few months and we could see the value he would bring to the Wallabies coaching team and management as a whole.

“From the Highlanders’ first Super Rugby title in 2015 to the most recent Rugby World Cup final, Scott’s resume and reputation are of the highest calibre and I am confident he will make a positive impact on the Wallabies.

“Scott has a great understanding of the environment and standards Joe Schmidt has driven since joining the Wallabies, having coached alongside him with the All Blacks, and will provide great support to Les as he transitions into the Head Coach position.

“I would also like to take the opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to Laurie Fisher for his outstanding service to Australian Rugby, which will continue in a consultancy capacity moving forward.

“‘Lord’ is a much-loved and respected figure in our game and we are extremely pleased he will continue with us leading in to next year’s home next year’s home Rugby World Cup.”