The Wallabies’ coaching overhaul is taking shape with purpose. Rugby Australia confirmed Monday that John Ulugia has signed a contract extension through 2028 as scrum coach, while Les Kiss is adding Englishman Jonny Fisher to the backroom staff as an assistant. The moves signal a deliberate blend of continuity and fresh perspective heading into a critical Rugby World Cup buildup.
Ulugia, a former Super Rugby and Top 14 prop, originally joined Australia’s staff during the 2025 end-of-year tour after Mike Cron stepped back from full-time duties. Cron now works in an advisory role within Rugby Australia, and Ulugia has leaned heavily on that mentorship. His extension keeps the scrum room in steady hands, and he’ll also remain with the Brumbies in a dual capacity.
Fisher, currently an assistant with the Queensland Reds, is the more intriguing addition. He moved from London to Brisbane alongside Kiss ahead of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, and the two have a working history dating back to their days at London Irish. Fisher has over 100 professional matches in the UK under his belt, including stints with England Sevens and England Saxons.
Why the Timing Matters
Kiss won’t officially take the reins until after the Nations Championship Tests against Ireland, France, and Italy in July, when Joe Schmidt’s tenure ends. But he’s already shaping the staff. Locking in Ulugia now avoids disruption, and adding Fisher gives the Wallabies a coach who knows Kiss’s system intimately. The Wallabies have just over a year until they host the Rugby World Cup on home soil — stable coaching is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Quotes from the Key Figures
Ulugia expressed gratitude for the extension, noting the value of working alongside experienced staff. “Collaborating with Mike (Cron) has been an invaluable learning experience, and I’ll look to keep drawing on his expertise as we strengthen the foundations of this proud playing group,” he said.
Fisher, meanwhile, highlighted the hunger he sees in the squad. “It’s clear this group is incredibly hungry to succeed and are keen to work hard for each other,” he said. “My role will be to support them in every way possible, contributing to a program that sets these players up to perform consistently on the international stage.”
Rugby Australia high-performance director Peter Horne praised both hires, calling them “dedicated professionals who bring expertise, stability and continuity.” He also pointed to their deep knowledge of domestic talent from Super Rugby Pacific — a clear advantage with the World Cup looming.
The Bigger Picture
Kiss, alongside Scott McLeod, Tom Donnelly, and Eoin Toolan, now has a staff that blends Super Rugby experience with international credibility. The Wallabies are betting that familiarity and a clear chain of command will fast-track development. Whether that pays off in 2027 remains to be seen, but the foundation is being laid with intent.
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