Wallabies finalise Les Kiss’ coaching staff with key updates

The Wallabies coaching staff under incoming boss Les Kiss has been finalised, with Rugby Australia announcing some key updates on Tuesday. Scrum coach John Ulugia will stay on in the role through to the end of 2028, and Jonny Fisher is set to move into the set-up.

Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance, Peter Horne, expects those two to “bring expertise, stability and continuity” to the Wallabies, as the team continues to build towards Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 on home soil.

Ulugia succeeded legendary scrum guru Mike Cron in the Wallabies coaching ranks last season, linking up with the side during the 2025 Spring Tour. Before stepping into coaching, Ulugia played 50 Super Rugby matches and spent time abroad with ASM Clermont Auvergne and Bayonne.

Rugby Australia also confirmed that Fisher, who spent multiple seasons as an assistant coach under Kiss at the Queensland Reds, will join the national team. Fisher moved from London to Brisbane alongside Kiss ahead of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Fisher played more than 100 matches in the UK as a professional player and also donned the representative jerseys of the England Sevens and England Saxons. The coach will join the Wallabies as an assistant after the Nations Championship Tests in July.

“We are delighted to secure both John and Jonny for the Wallabies coaching team,” Horne said.

“John has thrived during his time at the Brumbies and under the ongoing mentorship of Mike Cron. He made a positive impact on the Wallabies environment from the moment he joined the squad last year and we are excited to continue that association moving forward.

“Jonny has worked closely with Les Kiss dating back to their days at London Irish and, more recently, at the Queensland Reds and we look forward to welcoming him to the Wallabies staff after the first leg of the Nations Championship.

“Together with Les, Scott McLeod, Tom Donnelly and Eoin Toolan, they bring with them a deep understanding of our domestic talent, gained through their extensive Super Rugby Pacific experience, which is a major asset.

“They are both dedicated professionals who bring expertise, stability and continuity to the squad for this Test window and building into next year’s home Rugby World Cup.”

Australia kick off their Nations Championship campaign against Ireland on July 4, which will be played in front of a sold-out crowd at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium. The Wallabies then host France and Italy during the July international window.

Kiss takes over from current Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt ahead of a clash with Japan at Hanazono Rugby Stadium on August 8. The Wallabies coaching group has now been finalised, with 11 Tests set to be played under Kiss this season.

“It’s a privilege to extend my time with the Wallabies. We have a vastly experienced coaching staff here, and I’m eager to continue to work alongside them,” Ulugia said.

“Collaborating with Mike (Cron) has been an invaluable learning experience, and I’ll look to keep drawing on his expertise as we strengthen the foundations of this proud playing group.”

Fisher added: “It’s clear this group is incredibly hungry to succeed and are keen to work hard for each other.

“My role will be to support them in every way possible, contributing to a program that sets these players up to perform consistently on the international stage.”