Les Kiss will be responsible for the Australian and New Zealand invited teams facing the British and Ireland Lions in Adelaide, one week outside the first Test with the Wallabies.
As the AU-NZ coach was predicted before the AU-NZ coach was announced as the Wallabies coach’s elector, it was predicted before confirmation arrived alongside news that Wallabies’ great Toutai Kefu will be in charge of the first National Pacific Islands team facing tourists between the first and second tests.
Kiss and Foster aims to complete a wider team of around 25 players. This includes all black people Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, Brodie Reallick, Wallabies Matt Phillip and Samu Kerevi, and other Australian players who may be in Frenzy of Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies Squad.
“It’s a privilege to be able to lead a combined Aunz Invitational XV coaching group,” Kiss said through a media release.
“The British and Ireland Lions are one of the most well-known teams in world sports, and being able to play them at iconic Australian venues such as the Adelaide Oval makes it an incredible sight.
“I look forward to working with coaches like Ian, who has extensive experience at the highest level of the game and links up to the wider management team.”
That means Kiss will have two opportunities to coach against the Lions. Both challenges will be invaluable experiences for when you take over Schmidt in the middle of 2026.
Kef, on the other hand, has many options to consider. The First Nations will have Kurtley Beale, Andy Muirhead and Harrison Goddard all over the options, while Lee Fitara Taina, Fiofoaika and Ceffi Gauze will all be considered in advance. Kef may also strengthen his team by playing talent for both Fiji’s Drua and Moana Pacifica franchises.
“We are honored to be named head coach of the first first country and Pacifica XV,” Kef said in the same Rugby Australia media release.
“The people of First Nations and Pacifica have made significant contributions to games around the world, and the importance of this game in celebrating these ongoing contributions cannot be overstated, especially for teams with the history of the Lions in the UK and Ireland.
“We look forward to meeting as a group in July and representing those who perform at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.”
The Lions were originally set up to face Melbourne’s rebels after their first Test in Perth, but when the franchise was hoisted for crippling financially inadequate management, they had to find an alternative.
Ra recently celebrated Indigenous contributions to the game in Australia through the introduction of Indigenous Wallaby Jerseys, but the combined concept is the first of its kind under the game.