The short answer
Les Kiss, the new head coach of the Wallabies (Australia's national rugby union team), has named his first squad for a two-Test series against Japan in July 2026. The squad includes experienced players like Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who returns after a stint in Japan, and several uncapped players such as Teddy Wilson, son of former Wallabies captain David Wilson. Kiss's selections emphasize hard-hitting forwards and versatile backs, aiming to build a team in his image after taking over from Eddie Jones.Why it’s trending
Les Kiss's first Wallabies squad announcement is trending because it marks a new era for Australian rugby, with notable inclusions and exclusions that have sparked debate among fans and analysts.
Les Kiss has named his first Wallabies squad for the two-Test series against Japan in July 2026, recalling Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and including several uncapped players. The squad, announced on July 22, reflects Kiss's emphasis on physicality and grit, according to The Guardian.
ESPN reports that Salakaia-Loto, who has been playing in Japan, returns to the Wallabies fold after being overlooked by previous coach Eddie Jones. Other notable inclusions are uncapped players Teddy Wilson, son of former Wallabies captain David Wilson, and Isaac Henry, as noted by Nine.com.au.
The squad was built in Kiss's image, with a focus on hard-hitters and gritty stayers, according to The Guardian. Kiss, who previously coached the Queensland Reds and was an assistant with Ireland, took over from Eddie Jones after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The series against Japan will be a key test for Kiss's new-look Wallabies, with the first Test in Tokyo on July 29 and the second in Sydney on August 5. The squad's performance will be closely watched as Australia prepares for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Timeline
- Squad announcement
Les Kiss names his first Wallabies squad for the Japan Tests, including Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and uncapped players Teddy Wilson and Isaac Henry. (Source: The Guardian, ESPN, Nine.com.au)
- First Test vs Japan
Wallabies play Japan in Tokyo. (Source: The Guardian)
- Second Test vs Japan
Wallabies play Japan in Sydney. (Source: The Guardian)
Questions people ask
Who is Les Kiss?
Les Kiss is the new head coach of the Wallabies, appointed after Eddie Jones. He previously coached the Queensland Reds and was an assistant coach for Ireland. (Source: The Guardian)
Why is Lukhan Salakaia-Loto back in the squad?
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto returns after being overlooked by Eddie Jones. He has been playing in Japan and brings experience to the forward pack. (Source: ESPN)
Who are the uncapped players in the squad?
Uncapped players include Teddy Wilson (son of former Wallabies captain David Wilson) and Isaac Henry, among others. (Source: Nine.com.au)
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