A new coach for the NSW Waratahs is expected to be in place next month, with the position attracting significant interest from candidates around the rugby world.
The NSW Rugby Union are looking to fill the vacancy prompted by the resignation of former All Black Daryl Gibson, who occupied the role for four seasons after succeeding Michael Cheika.
Player recruitment has been put on hold until a coach has been appointed and the successful applicant will have to oversee a major rebuild.
The Waratahs lost a wealth of experience at the end of a disappointing 2019 campaign with Wallabies prop Sekope Kepu and halfback Nick Phipps both heading to English club London Irish.
Although the Waratahs beat eventual champions the Crusaders, they missed the play-offs by languishing third in the Australian conference and 12th overall.
The NSWRU met on Wednesday before providing an update on the search for a new head coach.
“The vacancy has garnered a significant amount of attention, with a vast number of active coaches in world rugby indicating their interest in the position,” a statement said.
“The (selection) committee has indicated the ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success at the highest level and the ability to manage and develop talent.”
The NSWRU hopped to have Gibson’s replacement unveiled by mid-September.
Meanwhile, the union is yet to finalise venues for the Waratahs home Super Rugby fixtures in 2020 as the redeveloped Sydney Football Stadium remains out of bounds.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Whitaker is on record saying he hopes that Mason, Harrison and Donaldson are the ones he thinks we need to find the solution out of.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Hadn’t heard but with the guys in the squad he and Sinclair might struggle for game time.
dazell
Roar Rookie
Is Hamish Angus from Warringah a prospect for the Tah's? Have never seen him play but he gets wraps at club level.
dazell
Roar Rookie
I thought I read Wells was going somewhere else or at least looking to????
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Yeah O'Conner is still there at LH, as is Bell. I guess we need Vui on TH, even if he is third best.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Still got O’Connor as well, haven’t we? I thought Vui was fine in his minuscule minutes at TH. Have seen him get pushed back but also seen him dominate for tight heads. Just what you expect with a young prop. I’m just keen to see Tom have a go at his original position again. Happy for him to switch to whichever side we are most struggling at.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
I wonder if it is worth giving Vui a go at LH side? He hasn't seemed up to the task at TH. 1. HJH, 17. Vui 3. TR, 18. Talakai.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Yeah. His scrummaging really impressed me. Keen to see how he goes back on the TH side with Kepu vacating that spot.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Yep Will Harris and Pat Tafa both on the books. Agree we need one or both of the young 10s to develop quickly.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
Campo has some pretty decent coaching experience though.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
Pretty selfish... how about instead of importing a 10 why don't we focus on developing them since we are pretty short there. Importing a 10 helps nobody.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
No one fears playing against Robbo. His scrums have improved and his tackling lacks dominance. His running is pedestrian as he lacks any size. Harry WILL improve his scrums as he gathers more experience.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Swinton is a likely lad. Big, aggressive with that youthful "invincibility" about him.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Robertson showed this year coming back from injury his superiority over HJH in the scrum. The contrast was stark when he came back, outscrumming Tupou also. HJH is great around the park and has alot of promise, but he's a long way short of overtaking Robertson in his core duty.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Wouldn't mind getting big Willy back. 4. Skelton 5. Simmons 6. Dempsey 7. Hooper 8. Holloway 19. Hanigan or Staniforth 20. Swinton In squad - Wells But we'll need to go Holloway 4, Swinton/Dempsey 6/8, and Wells into 20. Still decent. Issues at prop and the backline. I really hope one of Harrison or Donaldson really step up, they're better 10 options than Mason. Is Will Harris thed no.8 signed to the Tahs? Another really good one to bring on.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
With HJH playing well at LHP, Robertson needs to shift to THP. I don't rate the bloke at all and the fact he has Wallaby jerseys is just amazing (Just like Ned H). Would hate to see Robbo inhibit the rise of Harry.
jeznez
Roar Guru
I think out of the four capable that he’s in the top two locks with Simmons. Then it’s fingers crossed that Dempsey or one of the two U-20’s nail the 8 shirt. Hooper and Swinton owning 7&6 Tom and Ned in competition for third lock with Wells backing up the rest.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Aside from Tepai Moeroa, nobody new though to counter the losses. At least Talakai was given a proper contract though.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
You don’t think 6. Swinton, 7. Hooper, 8. Holloway is the way to go still? Simmons and Staniforth are a decent lock pair.
jeznez
Roar Guru
I believe Simmons is back as well along with Hanigan. Simmons, Hannigan, Holloway and Staniforth are the light weight locks. Hooper, Dempsey, Wells, Swinton, Harris and Tafa as the backrowers. Would love Holloway to play 8 but it’s a no brainer that he doesn’t in that squad. He needs to do two things. Stay on the pitch and lift his work rate