Kiss reveals first Wallabies squad
New Australian rugby union head coach Les Kiss has named his first squad for the upcoming Test series against Japan, marking the official start of his tenure. The 34-man squad, announced on Thursday, includes three new faces: Reds lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Waratahs prop Isaac Kailea, and Brisbane centre Isaac Henry. The team will face Japan in Higashiōsaka on 8 August and in Townsville on 15 August.
A squad built in Kiss's image
Kiss, a former North Sydney Bears league winger who has never played rugby union, has assembled a squad of hard-hitters, gritty stayers, and smart cookies, reflecting his own playing style. “I’ve enjoyed what I’ve seen,” Kiss said. “There’s guys with an appetite to work hard and get better and that gives me a lot of confidence. These players want more and it starts with our Test in two weeks.”
Evolution not revolution
Despite being a new coach, Kiss has stuck to his “evolution not revolution” credo, keeping the core of the squad that played under predecessor Joe Schmidt. However, he warned that no positions are guaranteed. “The group is pretty much the same – it’s only right they get a feel for us [coaches] first. But I will be exploring other options as we go along and I’ll be making that clear to all the players. No one’s guaranteed a position and I make promises to no one,” Kiss said.
Facing Eddie Jones and Japan
Kiss’s first test will be against Japan, coached by former Wallabies boss Eddie Jones. “We saw how Japan beat Italy and how they pushed Ireland to the limit so we need to bring our best and be ready,” Kiss said. “Eddie is a sly operator and a savvy coach and we’ll be prepared for his mind games and his impact on the Japanese psyche.” Kiss acknowledged Jones's role in his own career, saying, “Eddie and I go way back. After I got home from South Africa I sat with him for three, four hours and next minute I’m with the Waratahs. So he’s a big part of kicking me off in Australian rugby.”
Schmidt's legacy and the road to 2027
Kiss inherits a team with a 12-19 win-loss record since 2024, but he is optimistic about the future. “There will be change,” he confirmed. “I’m a different personality and there will be ways I operate that are different to Joe’s leadership. I want players to be themselves, bring their personality to the fore and to know our strength is in our diversity.” The Wallabies have 19 Tests before the 2027 World Cup on home soil, including the Rugby Championship against Argentina, South Africa, and New Zealand.
New coaching staff and key inclusions
Kiss has brought in a fresh brains trust, including ex-All Blacks staffer Scott McLeod, assistant coach Jonny Fisher, analyst Eoin Toolan, and setpiece specialists Tom Donnelly and John Ulugia. Notable squad inclusions are Test match record-holder James Slipper, who will not travel to Japan, and the return of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who brings 45 Tests of experience and 124kg of heft to the pack. Isaac Henry, 27, will serve as backup for the injured John Eales medallist Len Ikitau.
Full Wallabies squad
The squad includes: Allan Alaalatoa, Miles Amatosero, Angus Bell, Charlie Cale, Josh Canham, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Aidan Ross, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Lachlan Shaw, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson (capt), Jock Campbell, Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Carter Gordon, Isaac Henry, Max Jorgensen, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, Declan Meredith, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Kalani Thomas, Tom Wright.
