ACT Brumbies coach Dan McKellar says Dave Rennie could keep the Wallabies coaching job through to the end of the 2027 World Cup, playing down speculation that he was in line to take on the role after next year’s tournament.
McKellar told ABC Melbourne TV on Wednesday that he wasn’t interested in engaging in conversations around the head coaching role. In recent weeks Queensland Reds’ coach Brad Thorn said he was keen on coaching the Wallabies in the future – a statement that brought up the issue of succession to Rennie.
McKellar, considered by many to be the next in line, said: “I’m not sure why people are talking about replacements for Dave.
“He’s been in the job two years, he’s an outstanding coach, a great man. If he wants to stay on for a Lions series [in 2025] and a World Cup at home in 2027, then I think that choice would be his.
“I’m just really proud and feel really grateful to be able to work with guys like Dave and coach at Wallaby level and my job there at the moment is as an assistant coach and enjoy that when I get back in that environment, and finish off here with some special memories here at the Brumbies.”
Springboks prop Frans Malherbe joined The Roar rugby experts Brett McKay and Harry Jones to talk about his unusual rugby origin story, what surprised him about the United Rugby Championship coming out of Super Rugby, and Rassie Erasmus’ call for a specialist scrum referee.
McKellar will leave the Super Rugby club at the end of the season to work as a fulltime assistant to Rennie.
“I’m in no rush. All I want to do is support Dave as an assistant coach and come away from here and make sure I leave a legacy and hopefully some success for others to build on in the future.”
Part of McKellar’s legacy to 2023 coach Stephen Larkham is his role in helping convince Wallabies youngster Noah Lolesio to stick around and reject an offer to go to Japan. McKellar, though, admitted it was sad to see Tom Banks decide to depart after this season.
“We had a number of conversations,” McKellar said of Lolesio, who said the chance to work with World Cup winning No.10 Larkham helped him make his decision.
“Obviously I’ve been heavily involved in Noah’s career to date. He’s a young man, he’s 23. I’ve had conversations with a lot of players over the years who get these opportunities and offers put in front of them and the money you’re talking about is certainly something you’ve go to look at and sit up and take notice.
(Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)
“Noah was no different. He’s a competitive footballer who wants to be the best player he can be and I know he wants to play for Australia and continue to represent the Brumbies.
GEOFF PARKES’ INTERVIEW WITH DAN MCKELLAR
“To do that he needs to stay on Australian spoil and thankfully he made a decision that’s best for his football career, knowing he’s got 15 years ahead of him at this level and the chance to play overseas will always be there for him down the track.”
On the flipside, McKellar said he understood why Banks, 28 next month, wanted to take an offer in Japan.
“The money offered is life changing,” McKellar said of Banks’ reported $1.4 million two-year deal.
“These boys have short career spans, most players will play for five years, very few get the opportunity for 10 years.
“For Tom, he’s at a stage where he’s looking at his career and he’s got a chance of setting himself and his family up for life.
“You have to respect and understand that. It’s just sad to think he’ll be in Japan next year and potentially not representing Australia at a World Cup.”
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Trytime
Guest
Take it from the horses mouth mate. Laurie Fisher is the brains and the reason for brumbies success. Not McKellar!! McKellar talks up a big game but is no more than a novice and the epitome of why oz coaches are bad! Coleman has more runs on the board than McKellar in the short time he has been in the picture. Built the Waratahs from scratch. McKellar walked into the brumbies which was already built and has had Laurie Fisher in and around the place for years. When Fisher was away in England the brumbies were rubbish. McKellar is a fraud and RA know this but had put someone in there to look like they were progressing Oz coaches. Look who there options were?? Foote, Thorn, Sampson ? Well go ask yourself? what a bunch!!!!
Boomeranga
Roar Rookie
Banks hasn't reached the heights I hoped he would.
Boomeranga
Roar Rookie
I def wouldn't replace Rennie for McKeller or Thorn. Or anyone else I can think of at them moment. I like our current coaching setup.
Joe Torsh
Guest
Who is this wanker Try Time and what has McKellar ever done to him to incur such wrath? Perhaps he/she needs to put his money where his mouth is and come out from hiding behind a pseudonym. A very sad, bitter, angry individual who more than likely has never pulled on a pair of boots let alone run onto a rugby field.
Chufortah
Guest
Newsome had a touch of class - he would be Wallaby fullback. He’s ready. JP needs more time, Hodge is useless and a bit stupid, Jock is just test quality, and Banks if a good super rugby player only in my opinion. Newsome is in career best form and getting better - reminds me of Schmurkin Burkin. Smarts.
West Aussie Exile
Roar Rookie
Yeah, it made a real impact. Whoever successor is for WB, needs to be able to kick like that
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
His kicking for touch from penalties is a real weapon, isn't it? Last week, he was amazingly long and accurate
West Aussie Exile
Roar Rookie
I agree oz, and I think Banks is by far the best 15 so far this year. He made one mistake early against Chiefs, turned over but otherwise he was excellent. It was so satisfying for an ex Aussie Rules player like me to see a rugby kicker kicking beautifully weighted, straight and long drop punts into the corner. Banks ended up as a key attacking weapon with his kicks and straight running. I have always hoped Petaia would deliver but I have serious reservations -he does not do the simple things well and I don't think he should even be near a Wallabies 23 until he can
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
With you TF, though I do think Hodge is a bit better than just a band aide.
Trytime
Guest
McKellar is the gutless wonder. He hides behind Laurie Fishers and others expertise but takes all the credit himself! Rennie will find out how incompetent he is without his security blanket! ( Fisher)
Trytime
Guest
McKellar is the gutless wonder hiding behind Fisher but taking all the credit himself!!
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
G’day Tony. D McK has now started to worry me. Lolesio at 23 has 15 more years ahead of him. Banks at 28, does well to take the money because the boys have a short career span? Not sure I’d be asking him for career advice.
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
I’d also suggest that JC is a better runner of the ball as he makes early decisions and runs hard accordingly. I wish I knew what it was that cause so many to dismiss Jock’s skills and abilities. It’s too late to introduce JP to representative level 15 and expect him to be good enough for the WC. 2027 perhaps but will his body last that long? He hasn’t played a full SR season. Even in his last Lang Park appearance he was receiving cramp treatment. Of all the other names only Hodge presents a genuine alternative. If I were playing in that team, I’d certainly feel more confident with him back there than I ever would have been with KB. I really haven’t seen enough of the others you mention to make a judgment.
Trytime
Guest
McKellar had a full professional group in NRC and still couldn’t win it. And guess who his assistant was … his running mate Tim Sampson. Force have seen the light and got rid of Sampson! Mcjelkar has been surviving off Laurie Fisher!! The whole brumbies setup is what Fisher has set! Not McKellar ‘the cardboard cutout!
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Surely if there is no legitimacy in bagging DM then there is also no legitimacy in bagging BT. Both have 1 SRAU title to their name. Does Dan have a NRC title? Brad does..... 4 words may well be better than a longwinded speech that says nothing Bobby. I DO got me in a lot of trouble and thats only 2 words.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Ha Jacko. I don't think there is any legitimacy in bagging Dan McK. Great team, great culture and great game plans. Also he speaks I'm sentences of more than 4 words. Now, Thorn on the other hand ...
Jacko
Roar Rookie
yes that 40% win rate is exceptional isnt it!!!
Jacko
Roar Rookie
A unknown 10 called Dan kicked a fairly vital one in a WC final once Paulo...
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Agree. I think Kellaway is best option
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Amusing. You use a pseudonym to bag a guy for using a pseudonym and you rubbish him majorly for rubbishing someone else majorly. Pot meet Kettle.