Rugby Australia finalises Les Kiss coaching staff with Ulugia and Fisher confirmed through to 2027 World Cup

Rugby Australia has finalised the coaching staff that will support incoming Wallabies head coach Les Kiss, confirming on Tuesday that scrum coach John Ulugia will remain in his role through to the end of 2028 and that Jonny Fisher will join as an assistant coach after the Nations Championship Tests in July.

Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance, Peter Horne, said the pair would “bring expertise, stability and continuity” to the Wallabies as the program builds towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil.

Ulugia stepped into the Wallabies setup last season during the Spring Tour, succeeding legendary scrum coach Mike Cron. Before moving into coaching, he played 50 Super Rugby matches and had stints abroad with ASM Clermont Auvergne and Bayonne. Horne credited his immediate impact on the squad and the ongoing mentorship of Cron as key factors in securing his continued involvement.

“John has thrived during his time at the Brumbies and under the ongoing mentorship of Mike Cron,” Horne said. “He made a positive impact on the Wallabies environment from the moment he joined the squad last year and we are excited to continue that association moving forward.”

Fisher brings a long association with Kiss, having worked under him at London Irish before following him to Brisbane ahead of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season at the Queensland Reds. As a player, Fisher made more than 100 professional appearances in the UK and represented England Sevens and England Saxons.

“Jonny has worked closely with Les Kiss dating back to their days at London Irish and, more recently, at the Queensland Reds and we look forward to welcoming him to the Wallabies staff after the first leg of the Nations Championship,” Horne added.

The now-complete coaching group also includes Scott McLeod, Tom Donnelly, and Eoin Toolan. Horne highlighted the collective’s deep familiarity with Australia’s domestic talent through their Super Rugby Pacific experience as a significant asset heading into a World Cup cycle.

Ulugia welcomed the extension, saying: “It’s a privilege to extend my time with the Wallabies. We have a vastly experienced coaching staff here, and I’m eager to continue to work alongside them.”

The Wallabies open their Nations Championship campaign against Ireland on 4 July at a sold-out Allianz Stadium in Sydney, before hosting France and Italy during the July international window. Kiss officially takes charge ahead of a clash with Japan at Hanazono Rugby Stadium on 8 August, with 11 Tests scheduled under his leadership this season.