Brumbies coach Dan McKellar will join the Wallabies set-up as forwards coach at the end of Super Rugby Trans-Tasman, a year after he was sounded out for the role.
McKellar was asked by Wallabies coach Dave Rennie last year but declined, preferring to focus on the Brumbies.
But after taking his team to their second successive Super Rugby AU final – for a win and a loss – he has opted to sign on for the international season.
He will return to Canberra before the 2022 Super Rugby campaign but is being earmarked for a full-time role with the Wallabies heading into the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Australia return to international action in a three-Test campaign against France next month, with game one on July 7 at the SCG.
“I’m really excited to join the Wallabies coaching group and work alongside Dave,” McKellar, who has been identified as a possible successor to Rennie, said.
“I’ve learned a lot about the game, and myself, as coach of the Brumbies and I believe this is the natural step in my progression and development.”
Rennie said he’d been impressed by the 44-year-old McKellar, who has guided the Brumbies for the past four seasons.
“Dan has enjoyed some great success in Canberra with the Brumbies over the last few years and has grown as a communicator and a leader,” Rennie said.
“I’ve been really impressed throughout my dealings with Dan and look forward to working alongside him with the rest of the Wallabies coaching group this year.”
With no Australian team making the final, there is one round of Super Rugby Trans-Tasman remaining this weekend.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
McKellar knows that the forwards must defend. Pick blokes who do their core jobs well. Show Ponies not welcome.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
No he doesn't. He was played as the edge forward. His core duties were not in the middle in that role.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Fair comment but the Wallabies have a different scrum coach so shouldn't be an issue
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
Front row has been done over a few times.
Antony Henrie
Guest
Read did his core duties in the middle thus earned the right to roam wide.Hooper has never done his core duties in the middle.He needs to start this year or it will be curtains for him and the Wallabies.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Malachi, I wonder too though if Dan might’ve allowed for a ‘consultant budget’ in his contract to pay Laurie for his input?
jameswm
Roar Guru
I really wonder. You realise all teams these days have forwards spaced over the field? No one ever sledged Kieran Read for playing just as wide as Hooper does.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Maybe, but a very good Wallaby coach?
jameswm
Roar Guru
I don't think he'll be or want him to be the next Wallaby coach, I don't think.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Agreed TWAS, except the scrum.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Maybe. Not one of the coaches Leahry reckons can take us to the next level.
Antony Henrie
Guest
I wonder if Hooper will listen to Dan when he tells him to get back in the middle and stay there. " No bludging outwide until you do your core duties in the middle squirt."
ScrumStability
Roar Rookie
When I saw this headline I was initially happy thinking that some of the forward pack know how will be injected into The Wallabies. Now I am wondering how much of that was Laurie Fisher. No disrespect to Dan - I would love to know who is the brains for the Brumbies forward play. Whatever is the case we need to get that knowledge to the national team.
Corw
Roar Rookie
McCaffrey is an ex player. He's got no skin in the game. But I guess we'll see.
Honest Max
Roar Rookie
Do you know if Bill Muller was the coach then?
Bourkos
Roar Rookie
Mmm wismantles work has been underwhelming so far. Maybe he hasn’t had enough time but we have been one dimensional under him
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
No. He does breakdown and defence I believe
Bourkos
Roar Rookie
I thought Laurie Fisher was doing forwards? Not that I know much about Brumbyland
Ex force fan
Guest
With non Aussie team in the finals, the Kiwi get the privilege to smash each other in the final. A silver lining on a very dark cloud.
Charlie Turner
Guest
Sums them both up!