In his first year as its defence coach, Les Kiss shared in a tIn his first year as its defence coach, Les Kiss shared in a triumphant Grand Slam victory that had eluded Ireland for 61 years, as well as being part of a memorable Six Nations championship win.
Ireland's 17-15 victory over Wales at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium in 2009 completed a 5-0 whitewash in the Six Nations championship.
For Kiss, the former Australian Kangaroos rugby league international and Queensland State of Origin player, it was a grand moment to saviour.
His role as head coach Declan Kidney's defence strategist was widely hailed in the victory aftermath. In the five international victories - 30-21 v France, 38-9 v Italy, 14-13 v England, 22-15 v Scotland and 17-15 v Wales - the Ireland line was crossed only three times. During the winning sequence, the men in Emerald Green jerseys scored 12 tries.
Kiss, who played 100 first-grade rugby league games on the wing for the North Sydney Bears and later played for the London Broncos (now London Harlequins), made a successful transition to rugby union coaching in 2001, having been recruited by South African Springboks head coach Harry Viljoen as defence coach.
Kiss’ input was largely instrumental in the national team conceding only 11 tries in the same number of Test matches that year. In that year’s Tri Nations championships, the Springboks had easily the best defensive record with least tries and least points conceded.
The following year Kiss was given the opportunity to further expand his influence with three South African Super 12 teams – the Stormers, Cats and Bulls. He also provided assistance to a number of Currie Cup teams.
Returning to Australia in 2003, Kiss teamed up with Australia's 1991 World Cup-winning coach Bob Dwyer at the NSW Waratahs, providing expertise in defence and video analysis.
His association with the NSW Waratahs developed further after that leading to assistant coach roles specialising in defence and backs strategy. Kiss was also appointed assistant coach of Australia A from 2003 to 2007, assistant coach of the Australian under 21 team in 2003 and head coach on the NSW Waratahs development tour to the United Kingdom and Ireland in 2006. He has also had coaching experience in Japan, assisting IBM in 2003 and 2008.
During his six seasons with the NSW Waratahs, the team consistently had the best defence record in Super Rugby – a key factor in the Sydney-based team reaching the finals in 2005 and 2008 and semi-final in 2006.
Former Wallaby coach Bob Dwyer says of Les Kiss: “Les works easily, in a relaxed but authoritative manner. He has excellent man management skills and work ethic. His ability to present his thought process to players is equally excellent. At the same time, he is an excellent listener, a great team learner and thirsty for additional knowledge. He contributes in a frank, positive and constructive manner in the team environment of the coaching group”.
Kiss has signed with Ireland until after the 2011 Rugby World Cup. He is currently in negotiations to extend his association with Ireland until mid-2013.
Image courtesy of www.Inpho.ie