Former Wallabies coach John Connolly believes Australian rugby has squandered. A crucial opportunity to properly prepare for the Rugby World Cup 2027. Arguing that the delayed transition to Les Kiss as national coach has created unnecessary uncertainty.
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Connolly says the decision for Kiss to take over midway through the international cycle was made absolutely. No sense given the unresolved issues within the Wallabies set-up. Joe Schmidt remains Australia’s Test coach for now.
Kiss is currently coaching the Queensland Reds and is a former Schmidt assistant. Ireland is scheduled to assume the top job after the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. But Connolly, who will be appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) on Australia Day for his contribution to rugby.
Feels the handover should have happened at the start of this year. According to Connolly, Australian rugby is still struggling with basic questions that should already be settled, particularly around leadership and key positions.
Rather than leaving them in limbo during a critical period. At 74, Connolly says the Wallabies are no closer to identifying a long-term first-choice fly-half ahead of the home World Cup.
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Rugby World Cup: Connolly Questions Wallabies Playmaker Plan
With Noah Lolesio departing for Japan, Australia rotated through several options in 2024. Including Tom Lynagh, Carter Gordon, Tane Edmed, and James O’Connor. Connolly also felt NSW Waratahs back Lawson Creighton deserved an opportunity but was overlooked.
Leadership, he argued, remains another unresolved area. Connolly suggested that the Reds’ decision to appoint Fraser McReight as captain over established figures Tate McDermott. And Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson hinted at a broader changing of the guard.
For him, these were exactly the types of decisions that should have been driven by the incoming national coach from the outset. Connolly also questioned how much influence Kiss would have over his coaching staff if he only took over later in the cycle.
He believes the incoming Wallabies coach should always have final say on assistants, structures, and long-term planning. The current coach should have stepped aside, and Queensland should have released Les Kiss, Connolly said.
You might have a solid core of players, but a significant portion of the team isn’t functioning properly when you’ve lost seven of your last eight matches. I think Les is a good person, and he’ll create a strong environment, but the key issue is whether he wants the same players Joe Schmidt has backed. Those decisions needed to be made in February by the new coach.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Connolly Reflects on Reds Success
Connolly acknowledged that Kiss has coaching experience across multiple roles but noted that he has yet to deliver sustained success. As a head coach, the Reds finishing around mid-table in recent seasons. While that does not mean Kiss cannot succeed at the test level, Connolly believes delaying his appointment risks losing valuable preparation time.
He should have taken over in January or February and installed his own assistant coaches immediately, Connolly said. Australian rugby needs the entire year focused on preparation. Kiss, for his part, said this week he does not find the balancing act of coaching the Reds while preparing for the Wallabies role overwhelming.
He insisted that strong operational systems and experienced staff would ensure a smooth transition. Connolly, however, warned that the reality of the role can be unforgiving. Drawing on his own experience, he reflected on his 12-year tenure with the Reds, beginning in 1989, around the same time NRL great Wayne Bennett took charge of the Brisbane Broncos.
Connolly said both men shared similar coaching philosophies, particularly the importance of building personal relationships with players. Connolly remains in contact with Bennett and credits that approach with helping Queensland rugby achieve its most successful era. Under his leadership, the Reds won a Super Six title, two Super 10 championships, and two minor premierships.
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