Ireland’s defence coach Les Kiss made a successful transition from rugby league to rugby union coaching in 2001.
The former Australian Kangaroos rugby league winger was recruited by South African Springboks head coach Harry Viljoen that year following coaching stints with the North Sydney Bears in the National Rugby League competition in Australia and the London Broncos (now Harlequins) in Britain’s Super League.
As the Springkoks defence coach, Kiss’ input was largely instrumental in the national team conceding only 11 tries in the same number of Test matches in 2001. 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 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 this year (2008).
During his six seasons with the NSW Waratahs, the team consistently had the best defence record in the Super 14 competition – a key factor in the Sydney-based team reaching the finals in 2005 and 2008 and semi-final in 2006.
Kiss, a member of the undefeated 1986 Australian Kangaroos team that toured Great Britain and France, played 100 first grade games for the North Sydney Bears from 1986 to 1993.
He also played four State of Origin matches for Queensland.
Former Wallaby coach Bob Dwyer has this to say about 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.
Image courtesy of www.Inpho.ie