Anna 
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh has indicated flexibility regarding the next Wallabies coach, suggesting the possibility of them also holding a Super Rugby Pacific position. This opens the door for Les Kiss, the Queensland Reds head coach, to potentially lead both the national team and his current Super Rugby side.
Waugh’s comments come as Rugby Australia announces a significant five-year broadcast rights deal with the Nine Network worth $240 million, an increase from the previous deal. The new agreement will see all Super Rugby matches available behind a paywall on Stan Sport, although there may be opportunities for free-to-air broadcasts depending on Nine’s decisions. Bonuses tied to on-field success will also be part of the new arrangement.
However, Rugby Australia is now focusing on a more pressing decision: naming a new head coach after Joe Schmidt’s announcement to step down in August. Schmidt’s departure, driven by family reasons, leaves a gap that Rugby Australia is eager to fill promptly. The CEO stated that the organisation is in the “final stages” of appointing a new coach and expects an announcement “reasonably quickly.”
Les Kiss, who is currently under contract with the Queensland Reds until the end of 2024, remains a leading candidate for the Wallabies position. Waugh acknowledged the potential for Kiss to balance both roles in the short term, particularly for this year’s European tour, with the possibility of a job-share arrangement until Kiss completes his contract with the Reds by the end of the 2026 season.
“We’re focusing on how to get the best possible coaches in the Super Rugby environment because if you can’t win at the Super Rugby level, you can’t win Test matches,” Waugh emphasized. “We’re confident we’ll get the balance right between shared services or resources, and ensuring we’ve got the world’s best coaches leading the international program.”
Waugh also mentioned that Schmidt could remain involved in some capacity, reflecting his importance to Australian rugby’s future, especially with the home World Cup scheduled for 2027. Waugh expressed an interest in ensuring Schmidt’s continued involvement, depending on the new coach’s preferences and Schmidt’s availability.
Meanwhile, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, rugby’s marquee man, stated that he does not expect to be rested before the July Tests against the British & Irish Lions. Despite missing five weeks due to a foot injury, Suaalii is eager to play every match leading up to the series, saying he would be firm in his desire to stay on the field.
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