Les Kiss – the former Queensland Maroons star turned rugby union coach – will replace fellow State of Origin hero Brad Thorn as the Reds coach in 2024.
Just days after The Roar revealed that Kiss was the favourite to take over from Thorn and a decision was imminent following a long evening of meetings at Ballymore on Wednesday, it can be confirmed the experienced coach is set to return to Australia to take over the Super Rugby franchise.
Kiss beat an estimated 40 applicants to the post, which featured figures from all corners of the globe.
It’s believed the Reds spoke with former Wallabies and Super Rugby winning coach Michael Cheika as recently as last week.
But the fact the vastly experienced coach isn’t available until after the World Cup played against him. As did the QRU’s desire to have a Queenslander take over from Thorn.
After appointing several raw head coach coaches in a row since Ewen McKenzie joined the Wallabies in 2013, the Reds also wanted an experienced figure to turn their fortunes around and once again emerge as title contenders.
Former Queensland State of Origin star Les Kiss will take over from Brad Thorn as head coach. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Kiss, 58, has more than two decades of experience after coaching in Australia, South Africa, Ireland and England.
Having been an assistant with the Springboks and Ireland at two World Cup campaigns as a defence coach, the former North Sydney Bears winger took over as the Director of Rugby at Ulster before joining London Irish as their head coach in 2018.
After being promoted from the Championship, Kiss led the club up the English Premiership standings each year where they finished fifth this season.
But the club’s financial struggles saw London Irish go into administration, forcing players and coaches to look elsewhere.
While Kiss was also shortlisted at Edinburgh, The Roar understands the former Maroons winger has agreed to terms to take over from Thorn.
Les Kiss has a big task on his hand to turn the Reds into consistent threats. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
An official announcement isn’t expected soon, but the move is a significant one for the Reds and comes just weeks after the opening of the franchise’s new high-performance facility at Ballymore.
The pending announcement will also help the franchise’s recruitment and retention plans, with a plethora of Queensland rugby figures eagerly awaiting who would be appointed.
Kiss’ arrival will be welcomed by many, with the coach widely respected.
But his rebuilding mission won’t be easy, with several gaps in the Reds’ roster, particularly in the tight-five.
The Reds also need another ball-running back-rower to lessen the load on Harry Wilson.
Kiss will also be cognizant that Wallabies trio Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia and Jock Campbell are all off contract at the end of next season.
One of his first priorities will be ensuring bread is broken with maligned player agent Anthony Picone, with too much star talent lost because of old wounds.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
:thumbup:
Jonesy
Roar Rookie
This recruitment process seems to have displayed a shocking level pleasing of competence not usually associated with the reds admin in recent years!
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Yep Tim, but some seem to forget Thorn is a Kiwi, & although he played State of origin, he still came from a rugby background, as a kid, in Mosgiel, before his whanau emigrated to Australia .
The Yabbie
Roar Rookie
No Cheika is a very good coach, make no mistake. The Waratahs won thé SR in ‘14 under him. He went on to coach wallabies to the final of the the 2015 WC. He may have stayed too long. Maybe he was coaching a style that pleased the marketing dep with ball in hand? We became to predictable towards the end. Next week we play him and will probably lose. We love to play the blame game but not all our failures in recent years be attributed to the coach.
Evanfinity
Roar Pro
Looks like the reds got a new coach. So I googled Lez Kiss. Got some pretty promising images but my phone has a virus now
Redbeard
Roar Rookie
Queensland remains a significant nursery for Union in Oz; however, the QRU can’t capture or build on it! The QRU lost the plot after Ewen McK. Thorn began to turn things around; however, he had that unique ability that not only opened the door for talented players , he pushed them through it to the detriment of the Reds! ( and benefit of club Rugby both nationally and internationally) . Till now, developing and maintaining depth at the highest level was not a priority for either the QRU or Thorn; this has to change.. Les at least is a Queenslander, who hopefully knows the culture!
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
You don't have to be rich To be my coach You don't have to coach Rog Like Tony Roache Ain't no particular style I'm more compatible with I just want your extra time and your Kiss
HenryHoneyBalls
Roar Rookie
Cheika won super rugby with the Waratahs, the Heineken cup with Leinster and got to a RWC final with Australia. He might not be perfect but he is easily the best Aussie coach around.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
No. He turned things around after the "whaddya mean you want a payroll" Penney years. I recall it clearly. Based on Waratahs results he is deservedly being groomed for national honours. I read it here on the Roar.
RD
Roar Rookie
Well done Reds for snaring Kiss. Tahs better look for a replacement for DC soon.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
Good news for the Reds, finally after a decade of coaches with L plates on we get one who knows what they're doing.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
To an extent. I'm pretty sure if Robbie Deans wanted the role he would have been welcome in with open arms. It's more of an easy excuse to rule people out.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Sounds like a good choice. Time will tell whether it's a "Kiss of Life" or the "Kiss of Death". At least he has coaching creds unlike the Muppet before him. Hope he goes well !
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Sadly, he’s missed Fischetti, who’s heading back to Zebre. And unfortunately Ollie Hoskins has also signed. I think most of the tight forwards are gone. Good ones are valuable everywhere
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Chieka would not have applied as he is tied up for the Pumas, plus it would not go down well in Queensland if he was appointed. Kiss is a good choice with the experience that he has gained in the Northern Hemisphere, he is highly respected by the players there so this is a natural step for him to take.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
I am trying to reconcile one of the great problems of Australian rugby: it's fiefdoms and parochialism, with the avowed need that the interview panel expressed, to recruit a Queenslander. Serendipity that Les Kiss is the best candidate, he's an excellent choice, at face value and as an individual he renders any concerns redundant, he really is a great choice. Except the elephant remains: that parochialism is alive and thriving in Australian rugby.
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
Cheika would never be a reds coach. If his name was circulated it was only to show that people outside of the ballymore car park were being looked at.
Try Hard
Roar Rookie
Unbelievable if the report is correct. Cheika was spoken to about the Reds coaching role. Who are the decision makers at the Reds. Cheika is a failed Wallaby coach after he got all he wanted and needed to be successful. He thought he was bigger than the national team and smarter that the Board. Les Kiss is a much preferred option. Coached under the best, with the best and for the best. Please keep.Cheika either in South America or in Rugby League.