Les Kiss has named his first Wallabies squad as head coach, with uncapped Queensland Reds centre Isaac Henry the headline inclusion in a 34-player group selected for the upcoming Flight Centre Series against Japan.

Key squad news

• Uncapped Queensland Reds centre Isaac Henry earns his first Wallabies call-up
• Reds lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto recalled after missing the Nations Championship squad
• Waratahs prop Isaac Kailea returns to replace retired James Slipper
• Len Ikitau (ankle) and Tom Hooper (shoulder) ruled out through injury
• Carter Gordon, Josh Nasser and Hunter Paisami return from injury
• Harry Wilson retained as captain; squad trimmed from 36 to 34

Henry, 27, is the only uncapped player in the squad and is in line for his Test debut after last year’s John Eales Medallist Len Ikitau was ruled out with a minor ankle injury. The powerful midfielder enjoyed a breakthrough Super Rugby Pacific campaign with the Reds in 2026, having battled through a series of devastating injuries earlier in his career, and now finds himself on the cusp of pulling on the gold jersey for the first time.

The Wallabies will face Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms on back-to-back Saturdays — first at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka on 8 August before returning home for the second Test at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville on 15 August.

Kiss, who was announced as Joe Schmidt’s successor 450 days ago but only officially took office this week following the conclusion of Queensland’s Super Rugby season, has not strayed far from the group that played through the Nations Championship in July. The squad has been trimmed from 36 to 34, however, and the new head coach has made several pointed selection calls that signal his thinking ahead of next year’s home World Cup.

Chief among the changes is the recall of Reds enforcer Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who was controversially overlooked for the July Tests and instead played for the Barbarians and Souths in Queensland Premier Rugby. The 45-cap lock brings considerable experience to the forward pack and could also offer Kiss a back-row option, particularly given the omission of former captain Nick Champion de Crespigny.

Waratahs prop Isaac Kailea has also been brought back into the fold after a two-year absence from the national set-up. The 8-cap loosehead replaces James Slipper, the Test match record-holder who returned to Canberra after an SOS call-up out of retirement in July. Kailea’s inclusion is part of what appears to be a deliberate push to build younger depth at loosehead ahead of the World Cup.

The squad is bolstered by the return of three players who missed the final Nations Championship Test against Italy in Perth. Hooker Josh Nasser is available again after recovering from a concussion sustained against France, inside centre Hunter Paisami has overcome a knee complaint, and fly-half Carter Gordon has shaken off the calf injury that sidelined him since the opening Test against Ireland. Gordon will compete with Ben Donaldson and the uncapped Declan Meredith for the starting fly-half role.

A new chapter begins 🦘

Les Kiss' first Wallabies squad. pic.twitter.com/owf8jn0jWq

— Wallabies (@wallabies) July 23, 2026

Tom Hooper continues his rehabilitation from a shoulder injury and remains unavailable, joining Ikitau, Zac Lomax, Tom Lynagh, Will Skelton and several others on the sidelines. Winger Corey Toole and centre Josh Flook, who were both part of the July squad, have been dropped entirely.

Racing 92 prop Taniela Tupou is the sole overseas-based selection in the group, which is heavily weighted towards Queensland, with the Reds contributing the lion’s share of players across both the forward pack and the backline.

Number eight Harry Wilson has been retained as captain, a role he has held since 2024. There had been speculation Kiss might hand the armband to Reds skipper Fraser McReight, but the new coach has opted for continuity in his first squad.

“Selection is always a challenging process, but as coaches we’ve looked to bring together a group based on form, cohesion and how we want to play the game,” Kiss said.

“Spending time with the group over the last few weeks alongside Scott McLeod and Jonny Fisher has been incredibly valuable as we look to hit the ground running.

“It’s been encouraging to see how tight they are as a group and how hard they work for each other and the gold jersey. The challenge now is for everyone to roll up their sleeves and find a new level of consistency.”

The squad will assemble in Sydney on Tuesday before departing for Japan next Saturday.

Kiss takes the reins with the Wallabies’ July results fresh in the mind. Australia lost narrowly to Ireland 31-33 in Sydney before a chastening 26-42 defeat to France in Brisbane, then brought an end to a six-game losing streak with a dominant 57-10 victory over Italy in Perth — a match in which Josh Canham became the first Wallaby in 127 years to score a hat-trick.

The Japan series represents Kiss’s first opportunity to put his own stamp on the side before the serious business of the Rugby Championship begins at the end of August, with Tests against Argentina in Jujuy and Mendoza, South Africa in Perth, and New Zealand in Auckland and Sydney. The Wallabies will then head north in November for Nations Championship Tests against England at Twickenham, Scotland at Murrayfield and Wales at the Principality Stadium.

With the World Cup on home soil now barely 14 months away, these two Tests against Japan offer Kiss a crucial window to assess his playing stocks and begin building the combinations he wants to take into 2027.

Wallabies squad for the Flight Centre Series Tests against Japan

Forwards (19): Allan Alaalatoa (ACT Brumbies, 91 caps), Miles Amatosero (NSW Waratahs, 1 cap), Angus Bell (NSW Waratahs, 53 caps), Charlie Cale (ACT Brumbies, 2 caps), Josh Canham (Queensland Reds, 5 caps), Isaac Kailea (NSW Waratahs, 8 caps), Fraser McReight (Queensland Reds, 42 caps), Josh Nasser (Queensland Reds, 13 caps), Zane Nonggorr (Queensland Reds, 20 caps), Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Western Force, 28 caps), Billy Pollard (ACT Brumbies, 21 caps), Aidan Ross (Queensland Reds, 3 caps), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Queensland Reds, 45 caps), Lachlan Shaw (ACT Brumbies, 2 caps), Carlo Tizzano (Western Force, 15 caps), Taniela Tupou (Racing 92, 70 caps), Rob Valetini (ACT Brumbies, 65 caps), Jeremy Williams (Western Force, 28 caps), Harry Wilson (c) (Queensland Reds, 39 caps).

Backs (15): Jock Campbell (Queensland Reds, 6 caps), Filipo Daugunu (Queensland Reds, 22 caps), Ben Donaldson (Western Force, 21 caps), Carter Gordon (Queensland Reds, 10 caps), Isaac Henry (Queensland Reds, uncapped), Max Jorgensen (NSW Waratahs, 23 caps), Ryan Lonergan (ACT Brumbies, 8 caps), Tate McDermott (Queensland Reds, 53 caps), Declan Meredith (ACT Brumbies, 2 caps), Hunter Paisami (Queensland Reds, 35 caps), Dylan Pietsch (Western Force, 11 caps), Harry Potter (NSW Waratahs, 12 caps), Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (NSW Waratahs, 21 caps), Kalani Thomas (Queensland Reds, 1 cap), Tom Wright (ACT Brumbies, 46 caps).

Unavailable for selection: Ethan Dobbins, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon, Tom Hooper, Len Ikitau, Zac Lomax, Tom Lynagh, Henry Robertson, Tom Robertson, Blake Schoupp, Will Skelton.

Match details:

Wallabies v Japan, Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka. Saturday 8 August, 9.15pm AEST / 8.15pm JST.

Wallabies v Japan, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville. Saturday 15 August, 3.00pm AEST.

Joe Schmidt’s departure from the Wallabies will not spell the end of his involvement in Australian rugby, with the outgoing head coach confirmed as part of a high-powered Australia A coaching group led by ACT Brumbies boss Stephen Larkham.

Rugby Australia announced on Friday that Larkham will take charge of the second-tier programme in 2026, with Schmidt and Western Force head coach Simon Cron completing the coaching ticket. The appointment ensures Schmidt, widely regarded as one of rugby’s most astute tactical minds, remains embedded in the Australian system ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil.

Schmidt will conclude his time as Wallabies head coach after the Nations Championship Test against Italy in Perth on July 18, handing the reins to Les Kiss. The New Zealander had initially planned to step away at the end of the 2025 Rugby Championship before extending his tenure to accommodate Kiss finishing his commitments with the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby Pacific.

The 60-year-old has been open about his desire to spend more time with his family, particularly his son Luke, who has severe epilepsy. He is expected to return to Ireland for several months after the July handover before pulling on the Australian coaching kit once more for the Australia A campaign.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Australia A are set to embark on a two-game tour of the United States in October, reportedly facing the USA Eagles, who have already qualified for the 2027 World Cup. The full fixture list is expected to be confirmed later this month.

While the move from Wallabies head coach to Australia A assistant might appear a demotion on paper, it is a deliberate and calculated choice. Schmidt served as a senior assistant to Ian Foster’s All Blacks in 2022 and 2023, helping guide New Zealand to the World Cup final, and has never been one to let ego dictate his decision-making. Those close to the situation suggest he is highly conscious of allowing Kiss to take full ownership of the Wallabies without his presence clouding the picture.

The appointment nonetheless keeps open the tantalising possibility of Schmidt taking up a more formal role with the Wallabies in 2027. Rugby Australia has been eager to retain his services in some capacity through to the home World Cup, though the coach has stopped short of committing to anything beyond being available as a sounding board for his successor.

Schmidt’s record across more than 100 Tests as head coach of Ireland and Australia — in addition to senior roles with the All Blacks, Leinster, the Blues and ASM Clermont Auvergne — makes him one of the most decorated coaches in the professional era. His three Six Nations titles and a Grand Slam with Ireland, along with the transformation of a Wallabies side left in ruins after the 2023 World Cup, underline the scale of expertise he brings to the Australia A environment.

Larkham earns top job after sustained coaching success

Larkham, meanwhile, earns the top job as recognition of his sustained excellence across a 16-year coaching career. The former Wallabies fly-half, who won 102 Test caps and was part of Australia’s 1999 World Cup-winning squad, has built an impressive CV since hanging up his boots. His coaching journey began at the Brumbies in 2011 as an assistant before he was elevated to the head coach role in 2014. He served as Wallabies attack coach from 2015 to 2019, a period that included Australia’s run to the 2015 World Cup final, before a three-year stint as senior coach at Munster in Ireland.

Since returning to the Brumbies in 2022, Larkham has guided the Canberra-based franchise to two Super Rugby Pacific semi-final appearances, most recently being eliminated in the qualifying finals.

“Australia A is a crucial bridge between Super Rugby and Test rugby,” Larkham said. “It gives players the opportunity to experience the demands of an international programme while continuing their development in a high-performance environment. There is some outstanding talent coming through Australian rugby and it’s exciting to work with players who have the potential to become future Wallabies.”

Cron rounds out the coaching group fresh from leading the Force to their best season in 12 years, winning five of their last six matches in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. The experienced coach recently re-signed with the Perth-based franchise for the 2027 season.

Building depth ahead of 2027

Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance, Peter Horne, framed the appointments as central to the organisation’s World Cup preparation strategy.

“We are pleased to have assembled a highly credentialed and experienced Australia A coaching staff for this year,” Horne said. “To have Stephen, Simon and Joe driving this programme will ensure our next cohort of players get access to an elite-level environment where they have the opportunity to grow and develop their games. With the home World Cup firmly on the horizon, building genuine depth is one of our key priorities, and this campaign will allow us to do exactly that.”

The Australia A programme has become an increasingly important pillar of Rugby Australia’s high-performance pathway since its return from a 14-year absence in 2022. The team has recorded six wins and a draw from 11 matches, with previous campaigns taking in tours to Japan, Fiji for the Pacific Nations Cup, and the United Kingdom for fixtures against England A and the Bristol Bears.

By exposing a broader pool of players to an elite-level environment, the programme is designed to bridge the gap between domestic Super Rugby Pacific competition and the demands of Test rugby — a gap that has historically been one of Australian rugby’s most persistent weaknesses.

The strength of this year’s coaching ticket sends a clear signal about the seriousness with which Rugby Australia is approaching the task. With Schmidt’s tactical acumen, Larkham’s development pedigree and Cron’s recent Super Rugby success, Australia A’s next cohort of aspiring Wallabies will have access to a coaching brain trust few second-tier programmes anywhere in the world could rival.

For Schmidt, it represents one more chapter in what has been a remarkable, if unconventional, relationship with Australian rugby. For Larkham, it is another step in a coaching trajectory that appears destined, sooner or later, for the very top of the game.

Sydney Roosters and Kangaroos star Angus Crichton will return to rugby union in 2027, signing a two-year deal with the NSW Waratahs and Rugby Australia as he pursues his childhood dream of representing the Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil.

The 29-year-old backrower confirmed his code switch on Wednesday, becoming the latest high-profile NRL player to join the exodus to rugby union ahead of Australia’s hosting of the global tournament. Crichton will complete the 2026 NRL season with the Roosters before linking up with the Waratahs, where he will reunite with former teammate Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.

The move represents a homecoming of sorts for Crichton, who starred in rugby union during his schoolboy years at Scots College, representing Australian Schoolboys in 2014 as a centre and number eight. His journey to this point has been circuitous – turning down a Waratahs academy contract to sign with South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2016, going on to play 198 NRL matches, winning a premiership with the Roosters in 2019, and establishing himself as an elite representative player with 17 State of Origin appearances for NSW and 11 Test caps for the Kangaroos.

Crichton’s decorated rugby league career includes winning the prestigious Wally Lewis Medal as State of Origin player of the series in 2024, whilst he also featured for Australia on their 2025 Ashes Tour. His consistent excellence at the highest level – maintaining above 90 per cent tackle efficiency in eight of his 10 seasons – has made him one of rugby league’s premier forwards.

“It’s incredibly exciting to be returning to the sport I played throughout my childhood,” Crichton said in a statement released by Rugby Australia. “Growing up in Young, I have great memories driving up on buses to Canberra with the other farmers and their families for the Tahs-Brumbies game every year. To have a chance to play in the same Waratahs jersey as Lote Tuqiri, my favourite rugby player as a kid, is something special. I grew up with a Wallabies jersey and poster on my wall and my dream was to one day represent them.”

The signing represents a significant coup for Rugby Australia, which has been strategically targeting rugby league players with previous union experience who can quickly adapt to the 15-man game. Crichton’s deal, reported to be worth approximately £325,000 per season, includes a get-out clause following the 2027 World Cup, providing flexibility for both player and organisation.

Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh welcomed the acquisition enthusiastically. “We are thrilled to be bringing Angus back to rugby ahead of a momentous 2027 season, highlighted by a once-in-a-generation home Rugby World Cup,” Waugh stated. “Angus excelled as a rugby player through the schoolboy and junior ranks and we believe he will make a strong contribution to the performance and culture of Australian Rugby. He has developed into an elite talent and leader in rugby league and now has the opportunity to showcase his talent on the unique global platform that rugby provides.”

The tactical positioning of Crichton within the Wallabies structure presents intriguing possibilities. At 102 kilograms, the powerful ball-runner possesses the physical attributes and offloading ability that could translate effectively to inside centre, following the template established by Sonny Bill Williams when he successfully transitioned from rugby league backrower to union midfielder. Alternatively, Crichton could be deployed as a ball-carrying flanker or number eight, utilising his edge running skills developed in rugby league.

Waratahs head coach Dan McKellar expressed confidence in Crichton’s ability to adapt. “We’re pleased to add someone of Angus’ calibre to the Waratahs for 2027,” McKellar said. “He’s the ultimate professional who will bring a high level of physicality and edge to the group. With his rugby union background, I’m sure he’ll be able to adapt quickly and will be raring to go when he arrives.”

Should Crichton establish himself at inside centre, it could facilitate tactical flexibility for the Wallabies, potentially allowing John Eales medallist Len Ikitau to return to his preferred number 13 jersey, whilst freeing Suaalii to operate at fullback or wing where his exceptional aerial skills could be maximised.

However, Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance Peter Horne will be mindful of the cautionary tale of Sam Burgess, whose ill-fated switch from rugby league prop to England’s inside centre for the 2015 Rugby World Cup ended with the hosts’ pool-stage elimination and Burgess’s swift return to league. The contrasting success of Ben Te’o, who thrived for Leinster and England after making a similar transition, demonstrates the unpredictability of such moves.

Peter Horne emphasised the strategic importance of the signing. “The signing of Angus is an important step as we continue to build depth across Australia’s Super Rugby Pacific squads and ensure internal competition for national selection,” he explained. “Angus has a deep connection with rugby union as a former Australian Schoolboys representative and has consistently played at the highest level in league. We’re looking forward to bringing him back to rugby and introducing his unique experiences and skillset into our environment from next season.”

Crichton’s return to rugby union comes during a significant period of cross-code movement. His Roosters teammate Mark Nawaqanitawase has signed to play in Japan’s League One competition in 2027, also positioning himself for World Cup selection, whilst speculation regarding Zac Lomax’s potential code switch appears to have cooled after Rugby Australia declined to offer substantial top-up payments. Lomax now seems likely to remain in the NRL with Melbourne Storm.

The 2027 Rugby World Cup on Australian soil represents a unique opportunity for Rugby Australia to capitalise on home advantage and national interest. The recruitment strategy focusing on players with rugby union backgrounds who can transition quickly reflects a pragmatic approach from Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss and current coach Joe Schmidt.

For Crichton, the decision represents the fulfilment of a long-held ambition. He came close to switching codes in 2023, nearly signing with the Western Force, and has maintained friendships within rugby circles. His attendance at Wallabies matches during their 2024 Spring Tour in Europe signalled his continuing interest in the 15-man game.

“I am pleased to have confirmed my plans for beyond this season and look forward to fully focusing on the campaign ahead with my teammates and family at the Roosters,” Crichton concluded, making clear his commitment to finishing his rugby league career strongly before embarking on his union adventure.

As Crichton prepares for his final NRL season, Australian rugby union supporters will eagerly anticipate his return to the code where he first made his mark, hopeful that his elite athleticism, big-game experience and rural roots – those bus trips from Young to Canberra – will translate into Wallabies success when it matters most in 2027.Claude is AI and can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.