Ulugia Stays Scrum Coach, Fisher Joins Kiss' Team

Rugby Au

Rugby Australia are pleased to confirm John Ulugia will continue as Wallabies scrum coach, signing a new agreement through to the end of 2028.

Tickets to the Wallabies 2026 home Tests are available to purchase here.

Ulugia first linked up with the Wallabies on last year's Spring Tour after Mike Cron retired from the full-time team role to take on an advisory position within RA.

A former professional player, Ulugia earned 50 Super Rugby caps (NSW Waratahs and ACT Brumbies) and over 150 Top 14 appearances (ASM Clermont Auvergne and Bayonne), before transitioning to coaching. He will continue in his role with the ACT Brumbies.

Meanwhile, current Queensland Reds assistant coach Jonny Fisher will also join the Wallabies coaching ranks under incoming head coach Les Kiss following the Nations Championship Tests in July.

Fisher moved from London to Brisbane alongside Kiss ahead of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, having also played over 100 professional matches in the United Kingdom, including appearances for the England Sevens and England Saxons.

Wallabies scrum coach, John Ulugia said: "It's a privilege to extend my time with the Wallabies. We have a vastly experienced coaching staff here, and I'm eager to continue to work alongside them.

"Collaborating with Mike (Cron) has been an invaluable learning experience, and I'll look to keep drawing on his expertise as we strengthen the foundations of this proud playing group."

Incoming Wallabies assistant coach, Jonny Fisher said: "It's clear this group is incredibly hungry to succeed and are keen to work hard for each other.

"My role will be to support them in every way possible, contributing to a program that sets these players up to perform consistently on the international stage."

Rugby Australia Director of High Performance, Peter Horne said: "We are delighted to secure both John and Jonny for the Wallabies coaching team.

"John has thrived during his time at the Brumbies and under the ongoing mentorship of Mike Cron. He made a positive impact on the Wallabies environment from the moment he joined the squad last year and we are excited to continue that association moving forward.

"Jonny has worked closely with Les Kiss dating back to their days at London Irish and, more recently, at the Queensland Reds and we look forward to welcoming him to the Wallabies staff after the first leg of the Nations Championship.

"Together with Les, Scott McLeod, Tom Donnelly and Eoin Toolan, they bring with them a deep understanding of our domestic talent, gained through their extensive Super Rugby Pacific experience, which is a major asset.

"They are both dedicated professionals who bring expertise, stability and continuity to the squad for this Test window and building into next year's home Rugby World Cup."

2026 Wallabies Fixtures

Wallabies vs Ireland, 8:00pm AEST on Saturday July 4 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Wallabies vs France, 5:30pm AEST on Saturday July 11 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Wallabies vs Italy, 6:00pm AWST on Saturday July 18 at HBF Park, Perth

Wallabies vs Japan, 9:15pm AEST on Saturday August 8 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Higashi-Osaka

Wallabies vs Japan, 3:00pm AEST on Saturday August 15 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

Wallabies vs Argentina 5:00am AEST on Sunday August 30 at Estadio 23 de Agosto, San Salvador de Jujuy

Wallabies vs Argentina, 5:00am AEST on Sunday September 6 at Estádio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza

Wallabies vs South Africa, 5:30pm AWST on Sunday September 27 at Optus Stadium, Perth

Wallabies vs New Zealand, 3:10pm AEST on Saturday October 10 at Eden Park, Auckland

Wallabies vs New Zealand, 3:45pm AEST on Saturday October 17 at Accor Stadium, Sydney

Wallabies vs England, 2:10am AEDT on Monday November 9 at Allianz Stadium Twickenham, London

Wallabies vs Scotland, 2:10am AEDT on Monday November 16 at Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Wallabies vs Wales, 7:10am AEDT on Sunday November 22, Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Nations Championships Finals Weekend, Weekend starting November 27

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