Coach Dan McKellar Supports Les Kiss for Wallabies Role After He Exits the Running: ‘It’s Achievable’

The quest to appoint the next Wallabies head coach is nearing its conclusion, with both former and current players rallying around a prominent candidate for the role.

Les Kiss has emerged as the frontrunner for the position, with the Queensland Reds coach seen as capable of managing both national team and club responsibilities concurrently.

The prospect of sharing coaching duties on a temporary basis has garnered support from several rugby legends, including fellow Super Rugby Pacific coach Dan McKellar.

While McKellar was speculated to be in the running for the top coaching position, he clarified on Thursday that he intends to remain with the Waratahs for the foreseeable future.

“No, I’m not in the mix for the Wallabies position,” he stated.

“I returned here to assist in uplifting rugby in this country by supporting NSW and the Waratahs,” McKellar explained.

“I’m thoroughly enjoying my time here, relishing the challenge, the players, and the staff. We’ve got a fantastic facility … I’m loving life in Sydney, and that’s where my focus lies.

“I’ve committed to a three-year contract, and while it will take time, I believe we’re moving in the right direction.”

If Kiss were to accept the Wallabies’ position, he wouldn’t be the first coach to oversee two teams at once. Michael Cheika initially managed the Wallabies while concurrently leading the Waratahs back in 2014, a commitment that extended throughout the 2015 season.

Phil Waugh, the head of Rugby Australia, who visited Brisbane this week alongside Reds representatives, stated that the governing body is open to the concept of a “job share” arrangement.

Kiss remains contracted to the Reds until the end of 2026, and discussions are reportedly underway regarding the potential implications for the club should he take on the national position.

Sources familiar with the discussions told The Sydney Morning Herald that Kiss is eager to bring some of his Reds staff along if appointed.

Should he bring his staff, it is likely that Rugby Australia would need to compensate the Reds financially unless a job-sharing agreement is reached.

“It’s a significant request,” McKellar remarked regarding the possible job share for Kiss.

“I did this during my time as head coach of the Brumbies while also being an assistant with the Wallabies, and you certainly appreciate that brief break at the end of the year. That’s for sure.

“While it could be feasible as a short-term arrangement, I wouldn’t want to do it year in and year out.

“But is it a possibility in the short term? Absolutely, I believe it can be managed.

“It’s a long season, and I’ve experienced that firsthand… It’s a lot to balance, and the workload is massive, but coaching both is doable.

“It definitely requires a step up in commitment. It’s not impossible, but there will certainly be challenges.”

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Former Wallabies halfback Nick Phipps also endorsed Kiss’s capacity to manage dual coaching roles, citing Kiss’s work ethic as analogous to that of Cheika.

“He would certainly be able to handle it,” Phipps commented.

“You might not see it on the surface, but behind the scenes, he’s a very busy man.

“Kissy is a workaholic. He loves what he does. He doesn’t just go through the motions; he genuinely enjoys it. He’s always on the move with his little iPad, and if he spots you, he’ll pull you aside for a 40-minute chat about rugby.”