Les Kiss to lead Australia-New Zealand XV against British and Irish Lions
Incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss teams up with Ian Foster for historic AUNZ Invitational XV clash in Adelaide.
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| Incoming Wallabies head coach Les Kiss speaks to the media during a press event at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Australia, on April 30, 2025. Photo by Matt King/Getty Images |
By Widya Putri and Randy Ahmad
Les Kiss, the incoming head coach of the Wallabies, has been appointed to lead a historic combined Australia-New Zealand XV against the touring British and Irish Lions in Adelaide on July 12, 2025. The announcement was made on Monday, confirming that Kiss will be at the helm of the AUNZ Invitational XV, marking the first time since 1989 that the trans-Tasman rivals will unite on a rugby field.
Joining Kiss in the coaching box will be former All Blacks head coach Ian Foster, who has been named as an assistant for the highly anticipated match. The game will take place one week before the Lions begin their three-Test series against Australia, with the first of those fixtures set for July 19 in Brisbane.
Kiss, currently the head coach of the Queensland Reds, expressed pride in being chosen to lead the team, highlighting the significance of the occasion. "It's a privilege to be able to lead the coaching group for the combined AUNZ Invitational XV," Kiss said. "The British and Irish Lions are one of world sport’s most renowned teams, and this match is a special opportunity to bring together talent from both nations in a once-in-a-generation moment."
The appointment of Les Kiss to oversee the Australia-New Zealand XV reflects his growing prominence in international rugby coaching. Having been named as Joe Schmidt's successor at the Wallabies for 2026, Kiss's involvement in this landmark fixture provides him with early exposure to top-tier opposition ahead of his full-time national duties.
Ian Foster returns to coaching in a trans-Tasman alliance
Ian Foster’s inclusion as assistant coach adds further weight to the coaching credentials of the Australia-New Zealand XV. Foster, who led the All Blacks through the 2023 Rugby World Cup, brings a wealth of experience to the team and will play a crucial role in shaping strategies against the Lions.
"I'm looking forward to working with a coach like Ian," said Kiss, reflecting on the unique opportunity to collaborate with a rival-turned-partner for the benefit of southern hemisphere rugby.
The match in Adelaide not only serves as a key preparatory fixture for the Lions but also symbolizes a rare moment of cooperation between Australia and New Zealand on the rugby field. Their last combined side faced the Lions in 1989, and this year’s game is expected to draw significant attention from fans across both nations.
Toutai Kefu to coach First Nations and Pasifika XV
In a further nod to the diversity and depth of rugby talent in the region, it was also announced that Wallabies legend Toutai Kefu will coach a First Nations and Pasifika XV against the Lions in Melbourne on July 22. Kefu, who has previously coached Tonga and currently works in Japan, said he felt “honoured” to take on the role.
"I'm looking forward to getting together as a group in July and representing our people with a strong performance," Kefu stated. His appointment underscores Rugby Australia's commitment to celebrating the cultural heritage and contributions of First Nations and Pacific Island players.
The First Nations and Pasifika XV will represent communities with deep roots in the rugby world, and their clash with the Lions in Melbourne will be a poignant moment in the tour, showcasing both talent and tradition.
Lions set for nine-match Australia tour
The British and Irish Lions are scheduled to kick off their nine-match Australian tour on June 28 with a game against the Western Force in Perth. The Lions’ itinerary includes marquee matches against Super Rugby sides and invitational teams, culminating in a blockbuster three-Test series against the Wallabies.
The Test matches will take place in three of Australia's largest cities: Brisbane (July 19), Melbourne (July 26, at the MCG), and Sydney (August 3). The Lions last toured Australia in 2013, winning the Test series 2-1. With a new generation of players and coaches, both sides will be aiming to make history once more.
Strategic significance of the AUNZ Invitational XV
The creation of the AUNZ Invitational XV offers more than just a one-off spectacle. It serves as a proving ground for new coaching combinations, a celebration of trans-Tasman unity, and an early opportunity for Les Kiss to test strategies and combinations ahead of his full-time Wallabies tenure.
Bringing together players from both Australia and New Zealand will undoubtedly pose challenges in terms of team cohesion and style, but it also allows fans to witness some of the best talents in the southern hemisphere working together.
The game in Adelaide is expected to sell out, with supporters from both countries eager to see this historic union take to the field against one of the most iconic touring sides in sport.
Legacy, rivalry, and respect
The British and Irish Lions tour is often marked by intense competition, passionate crowds, and memorable moments. By including matches against culturally significant and historically rare composite teams such as the AUNZ Invitational XV and the First Nations and Pasifika XV, the 2025 tour promises to deliver more than just high-quality rugby—it will provide a broader narrative of unity, legacy, and respect across hemispheres.
For Les Kiss, leading the Australia-New Zealand XV is not only about preparation or prestige. It's about continuing a legacy of innovation and collaboration in international rugby, and setting the tone for his future leadership of the Wallabies.
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