Australian Les Kiss has left his post with the New South Wales Waratahs to become Ireland's new defence coach.
Australian leaves Waratahs to join Kidney's staff
Australian Les Kiss has left his post with the New South Wales Waratahs to become Ireland's new defence coach.
The former rugby league international winger has made a successful transition to rugby union coaching since 2001 when he was recruited by the South African Springboks as defence coach.
Kiss headed back to Australia in 2003 when he accepted an offer to work with the Waratahs on defence and video analysis.
During his six seasons with them, the Waratahs consistently had the best defence record in the Super 14 competition and Kiss was also appointed assistant coach of Australia A from 2003 to 2007.
He has now opted to link up with new Ireland coach Declan Kidney and admitted the lure of working at full international level proved too strong to turn down.
Opportunity
"The opportunity to work with Ireland and to be involved at the international level of the game held great attraction for me," Kiss explained.
"I am looking forward to working with (new coach) Declan Kidney and his group and learning about and contributing to the overall structure.
"There is an exciting challenge ahead for us over the next few years in the lead-up to the Rugby World Cup in 2011.
"This opportunity to broaden my rugby experience in the European market is too attractive at this stage.
"This chance will definitely stand me in good stead with my ambition. I am very excited about the challenge."
