Kiss to lead combined Australia-NZ team against Lions

Les Kiss, a newcomer to the Wallabies, will lead a combined Australia and New Zealand side that will face the British and Irish Lions this summer.

The Lions’ side will face Australia’s first-ever three-test series against Australia on Saturday, July 19 in Brisbane, marking their first combined Australia and New Zealand team since 1989.

Former All Blacks head coach Ian Foster will serve as an assistant for the game in Adelaide on Saturday, July 12th, as Kiss replaces Joe Schmidt as Australia coach in 2026.

The Queensland Reds’ current head coach, Kiss, said, “It’s a privilege to be able to lead the coaching staff for the combined AUNZ Invitational XV.

“The Australian Adelaide Oval will be an incredible spectacle because the British and Irish Lions are one of the most renowned teams in world sport,” said the team’s manager.

I’m looking forward to working with a coach like Ian, who has extensive experience at the highest level of the game, and establishing a relationship with the company’s future management.

In the weeks leading up to Australia’s first and second Tests against Australia, Toutai Kefu, the world-renowned former international and former Tonga coach, will take the place of the Premier League and Pasifika XV.

The first ever First Nations and Pasifika XV head coach, Kefu said, “I feel honoured.”

Lions vs. Argentina at the Aviva Stadium on Friday, June 20.

Perth Lions vs. Western Force on Saturday, June 28 (Optus Stadium).

Lions vs. Queensland Reds game at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, July 2 (Suncorp Stadium)

Sydney Lions vs. NSW Waratahs on July 5 (Allianz Stadium)

Lions vs. ACT Brumbies game on Wednesday, July 9 at GIO Stadium in Canberra.

Lions vs. Invitational AU & NZ, Adelaide (Adelaide Oval), Saturday, 12 July.

First Test of the Lions vs. Australia match takes place on Saturday, July 19 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Lions vs. First Nations & Pasifika XV, Melbourne (Marvel Stadium) on July 22.

Second Test between the Lions and Australia at Melbourne (Melbourne Cricket Ground/MCG) on Saturday, July 26.

Third Test match between the Lions and Australia at Sydney (Accor Stadium) on Saturday, August 2.