MELBOURNE - Les Kiss said it would be "the honour of a lifetime" to lead Australia in their home 2027 World Cup after it was announced that he would take over as Wallabies head coach from Joe Schmidt in 2026.
A former Ireland assistant under Schmidt, Kiss currently coaches Queensland Reds in Super Rugby.
"This is a country that expects a lot in the sporting market, for sure, and I am very clear what I want to do with that team," Kiss told reporters in Sydney, promising a smooth handover next year.
"The players have a lot of confidence in what's happening in Rugby Australia at the moment. I am not here to 'rip and tear'.
"I am going to make sure that I dovetail as much as I can. And I will bring my points of difference into play, but we have a lot of things in common."
Kiss, who played rugby league for Australia, is the fifth coach named to lead the Wallabies in six years after Michael Cheika, Dave Rennie, Eddie Jones and Schmidt.
New Zealander Schmidt had been due to step aside after the Rugby Championship later this year, but agreed to extend his tenure until he can hand over the coaching role to Kiss, Rugby Australia said.
"My intention to finish at the end of this year's Rugby Championship has been adjusted to fit with Les's availability," said Schmidt, who has presided over six Test wins and seven defeats.
He took over after Jones' disastrous second stint in charge when Australia failed to get to the knockout stage at the 2023 World Cup.
Kiss spent eight years with Ireland as assistant coach, helping them to Six Nations Championships in 2009, 2014, 2015, and a Grand Slam in 2009. Schmidt was Ireland head coach from 2013-19.
"To coach our national team through such an important period, highlighted by a home Rugby World Cup in 2027, is the honour of a lifetime and an opportunity I am truly grateful for," said Kiss.
"It's an incredibly exciting time for Australian Rugby and I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as Wallabies head coach from next year," Kiss said.
"Joe and I have a strong relationship and a long history of working together, and I am looking forward to building upon the excellent foundations he has laid with the Wallabies."