‘A weight has been lifted’: Wallabies secure coup ahead of Kiss litmus test
Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss has secured the signature of prized prop Massimo De Lutiis ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, but the next month looms as the most gruelling test of his international coaching credentials.
News broke on Wednesday morning De Lutiis had turned down an offer to defect to Irish Rugby and recommit his future to Australia, signing with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds through to the end of 2029.
The129-kilogram prop – who holds the record for the biggest bench press across all Queensland football codes (202.5kg) – would be eligible to represent Ireland through his grandmother’s heritage, and was being headhunted by Ulster just nine games into his Super Rugby career.
Injuries have kept the 22-year-old from adding to that tally.
However, already he has been invited into two Wallabies camps under current coach Joe Schmidt.
Australia has sought to lock down their forward stocks before the World Cup, with De Lutiis’ retention following that of Reds teammate Zane Nonggorr – also through to 2029.
De Lutiis said he agonised over the decision, but after speaking with Queensland teammates Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Jeffery Toomaga-Allen – both of whom have played in Europe – felt his future lay pursuing a gold jumper on home soil.
“I definitely feel like a weight has been lifted with this decision,” De Lutiis said.
“Now I’m locked in, I can focus on the next three years in Australia. I had a lot to weigh up. I spent a good week or two going through it, and it was a bit stressful.
“Family, knowing Australia and what it is like here … they were two big deciding factors. Did I want to be potentially playing in front of family and friends at a home World Cup next year?
“Even if I don’t, it would be amazing to be around a tournament like that with the huge support that’s out there.”
De Lutiis is not expected to be available for selection until the Reds play the Brumbies early next month as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
After four straight wins, consecutive defeats to the Hurricanes (away) and Western Force (home) – in which they conceded a combined 94 points – the Reds are teetering on the edge of the top six and pressure will likely mount on Kiss before he takes the Wallabies reins later this year.
Queensland’s next four games will be a litmus test of their premiership standing, beginning with the Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday before games against the Blues, Brumbies and Chiefs.
Reds and Wallabies centre Josh Flook dismissed the notion his side’s most recent performances should dictate commentary around Kiss’ credibility.
“It’s definitely unfair to put Les in the spotlight. He’s not the one out there tackling and passing the footy around,” Flook said.
“The last two weeks we’ve shown if we make mistakes, there are two very good teams who capitalise on our mistakes. When we’re able to hold the ball, we can play really well.”