Brumbies can win title in 2009, says new head coach

Pulling no punches, new head coach Andy Friend has boldly declared the Brumbies can win the Super 14 title in 2009.

Speaking on his first day on the job, Friend said the Brumbies could go all the way next year despite not having made the finals since winning the championship in 2004.

“We definitely have the squad that can do that, without a shadow of a doubt,” Friend told reporters.

“We’re not coming here to muck around. We’re coming here to make sure we’re back and we’re winning.”

Friend was most recently head coach of Harlequins in the UK and replaces Laurie Fisher, who was last night confirmed as the new forwards coach for Munster Rugby in Ireland.

Friend admitted he was taking over at a low point in the club’s history.

“But the beauty of that is they will get stronger,” he said.

“That’s the charter – to come back in and to make sure we’re back up there winning and getting players back in the Wallaby jersey and representing their country.”

The Brumbies aim to play entertaining rugby and “get the thrill factor back” under their new coach.

“We want players to back themselves and show their expertise out there on the paddock,” Friend said, adding he was excited by the potential in his young squad.

“It’s our job to make them a little bit physically and mentally tougher and make sure that week in and week out we’re able to perform to our best.”

Friend will spend the next few days getting to know his new players and coaching staff.

His approach is to be honest and upfront.

“If a player does something I don’t like, he’ll know about it,” he said.

And no-one is guaranteed their place or position.

“It’s all about what you’re doing tomorrow rather than what you did yesterday.”

The Brumbies are continuing discussion with Wallabies playmaker Matt Giteau about a possible return to Canberra in 2010.

“I need to sit down with (chief executive) Andrew Fagan and discuss that and we’ll do that over due course,” Friend said when asked about the prospects of Giteau pulling on a Brumbies jumper in 2010.

“Handy player though isn’t he?”

Fagan said it was still “early days”.

“He (Giteau) is under contact with the Western Force for 2009,” Fagan told reporters.

“Conversations have started with regards to 2010 but I really don’t expect any significant progress on that for some time.”

The chief executive said the last few signings for next season would be announced by the end of the week.

“The two positions we’re (still) looking at are a lock/six (flanker) and probably an outside back,” he said.

“They’re the ones we’re focusing on and we’re pretty close to finalising some arrangements.”

Fagan said it was great news Fisher had signed with Munster.

“He’s a fantastic coach and I’m sure he’ll do tremendously well over in Ireland,” he said.