The Wallabies are pleased to confirm the appointment of Scott McLeod to the position of Assistant Coach - Defence for the next three years.
McLeod, 53, was a member of the All Blacks coaching staff at the last two Rugby World Cups serving under Steve Hansen and Ian Foster and alongside the likes of Mike Cron and Joe Schmidt.
He will join the Wallabies ahead of the August 8 Test against Japan, which will mark Les Kiss’ first game in the role of Wallabies Head Coach.
Incumbent Assistant Coach Laurie Fisher, who re-joined the Wallabies’ coaching staff in 2024 under Schmidt, will transition to a consultancy role, ensuring continuity across the Australian men’s High Performance system ahead of next year’s home Rugby World Cup.
Born in Brisbane, McLeod was raised in New Zealand and represented the Chiefs across 44 games and the All Blacks in 10 Tests as a centre.
After an eight-year playing stint in Japan, McLeod returned to New Zealand to embark on a successful coaching career with Waikato, the Chiefs and the Highlanders before taking on the role of All Blacks Assistant Coach in 2017.
He remained a key figure in New Zealand’s national set-up for the next seven years – including at the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups – and has most recently served as an Assistant Coach with the Kubota Spears in the NTT Japan Rugby League One competition.
McLeod said:
“I am very excited to return to international rugby, especially to join up with Les and the team to build on the foundations that have been put in place.
“There is a lot of excitement building within Rugby Australia and I am really committed to doing my part. I am looking forward to connecting with RA, the players and everyone who is invested in this team.”
Rugby Australia Director of High Performance Peter Horne said:
“On behalf of the Wallabies group, we are delighted to bring a coach of Scott’s experience and character into our national environment ahead of an important period for the squad. Les Kiss and I have had productive discussions with Scott over the last few months and we could see the value he would bring to the Wallabies coaching team and management as a whole.
“From the Highlanders’ first Super Rugby title in 2015 to the most recent Rugby World Cup final, Scott’s resume and reputation are of the highest calibre and I am confident he will make a positive impact on the Wallabies.
“Scott has a great understanding of the environment and standards Joe Schmidt has driven since joining the Wallabies, having coached alongside him with the All Blacks, and will provide great support to Les as he transitions into the Head Coach position.
“I would also like to take the opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to Laurie Fisher for his outstanding service to Australian Rugby, which will continue in a consultancy capacity moving forward. ‘Lord’ is a much-loved and respected figure in our game and we are extremely pleased he will continue with us leading in to next year’s home next year’s home Rugby World Cup.”
Wallabies vs Ireland, Saturday July 4 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies vs France, Saturday July 11 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies vs Italy, Saturday July 18 at HBF Park, Perth
Wallabies vs Japan, Saturday August 8 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Higashi-Osaka
Wallabies vs Japan, Saturday August 15 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Wallabies vs Argentina, Saturday August 29 at TBC
Wallabies vs Argentina, Saturday September 5 at TBC
Wallabies vs South Africa, Saturday 27 September at Optus Stadium, Perth
Wallabies vs New Zealand, Saturday 10 October at Eden Park, Auckland
Wallabies vs New Zealand, Saturday 17 October at Accor Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies vs England, Sunday November 8 at Allianz Stadium Twickenham, London
Wallabies vs Scotland, Sunday November 15 at Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Wallabies vs Wales, Saturday November 21, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Nations Championship Finals Weekend, Weekend starting November 27
