Former league star Les Kiss has been confirmed as the new Queensland Reds coach after putting pen to paper on a deal until the end of the 2026 Super Rugby season.
Kiss replaces another ex-league star, Brad Thorn, at the helm following a disappointing 2023 campaign in which the Reds finished eighth of 12 teams.
Kiss played 100 first grade games for the North Sydney Bears between 1986-93 and was named Dally M winger of the year in his first season.
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The 58-year-old also played four league Tests for Australia and four State of Origin games for Queensland before embarking on a coaching career in rugby.
Kiss joins the Reds after five seasons leading London Irish and before that was the director of rugby with Ulster in Ireland.
He has also served as an assistant coach with Ireland, South Africa and the NSW Waratahs.
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“He has had success at all levels including Six Nations titles with Ireland, Super Rugby and Pro14 finals with the Waratahs and Ulster plus English Premiership promotion at London Irish,” Queensland chief executive David Hanham said on Thursday.
“Throughout an extensive three stage selection process, Les was a standout candidate in front of an independent panel and provided us with clarity and confidence in his ability to be successful as head coach.
“As a Queenslander and having previously coached in Australia, combined with his wealth of experience and success, Les is an excellent fit for the Reds and we believe he has the right formula to take Queensland to the next level in Super Rugby.”
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Kiss, born in Bundaberg, was delighted to be returning to his home state.
“It was an attractive option. The opportunity to return home to Queensland and coach at a successful club in a new world class facility at Ballymore was something which appealed to me greatly,” he said.
“The Reds have an exciting roster which I am really looking forward to working with.
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“There’s a pathway to the Wallabies with high quality players boasting skill, ambition and endeavour.
“With anything in life, you need meaning and purpose. That’s already clear to see here. Brad Thorn laid a culture of fight, spirit and hard work, plus a love for the jersey – as Queenslanders we get that.
“I am committed to building on these strong foundations to help the Reds achieve their full potential in Super Rugby.”
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