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Six weeks into the World Cup year and mystery surrounds Eddie Jones’ Wallabies coaching structure – and it could be further clouded with in-demand assistant Dan McKellar on the shortlist for the top job at Leicester Tigers.
Jones has asked McKellar to join him on his coaching ticket for 2023 and Rugby Australia are known to rate and value him highly.
However, McKellar sees himself as a head coach rather than an assistant and it is understood the former Brumbies No.1, who joined the Wallabies in 2021 as Dave Rennie’s forwards assistant, would be open to a major opportunity.
Leicester Tigers, the defending English Premiership champions who have a long history of Australian coaches and are closing in on their permanent replacement for new England coach Steve Borthwick, loom as such an opportunity.
It’s understood McKellar is short-listed alongside current Argentina head coach Michael Cheika as one of four candidates.
Unlike Cheika, who will take Argentina through the World Cup and would have to juggle two jobs, McKellar is an assistant who will be weighing up his next move. His path to the Wallabies top job became more difficult when Rugby Australia lured Jones back Down Under on a five-year deal that will see the veteran coach oversee the Wallabies until the home World Cup in 2027.
A natural fit for McKellar would be the Queensland Reds, with the future of Brad Thorn still in limbo beyond 2023, but the question remains whether McKellar’s stocks would go up or plateau at the Reds. After all, the Reds are likely to go through a rebuilding year or two from 2024 with their playmaker James O’Connor expected to depart at season end and no quick fix on the immediate horizon.
The Queensland-born former prop is settled in Brisbane with his family, but overseas experience is highly valued in the modern game – just ask Scott Robertson, who was told in 2019 that that aspect was the missing facet from his incredible resume.
A stint at the Tigers, who represent everything there is about rugby in England and the core of tight, powerful forward play, would likely be an invaluable experience for the rising Australian coach.
It’s also understood that McKellar has a relationship with Borthwick who holds the Australian in high regard and whose input into his replacement will carry weight.
It was ahead of the 2019 World Cup Borthwick reached out to McKellar and asked for tips of the trade regarding the rolling maul, which had proved an unstoppable and powerful weapon for the Brumbies.
While the Wallabies’ maul has yet to find the same rhythm, their defensive maul had proved effective under McKellar.
(Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)
McKellar’s future is just one intriguing factor as Jones builds his coaching team and his decision could yet have significant ramifications.
Respected Brumbies assistant Laurie Fisher is a master at the breakdown and took over as defence coach following Matt Taylor’s departure during last year’s Rugby Championship.
Fisher doesn’t tolerate disrespect and whether he and Jones would work well together remains to be seen, but it’s understood a mutual respect exists for one another.
Jones, too, has often favoured rugby league coaches for the defence coaching role.
It is understood he has sounded out opinion of former South Sydney and West Tigers and New Zealand head coach Michael Maguire.
While Maguire is committed to the Canberra Raiders as Ricky Stuart’s assistant, the rugby loving NRL premiership-winning coach would be hard pressed to turn Jones down.
Australia A coach and Waratahs assistant Jason Gilmore meanwhile is highly regarded.
Brett Hodgson, who was brought on to replace Anthony Seibold before Jones was sacked in December, is not likely to be brought back into the fold.
Dave Rennie’s scrum coach Petrus du Plessis still remains in his role despite the New Zealander’s axing.
Brumbies forwards coach Dan Palmer, who is considered one of the world’s best, could well be called upon but hasn’t yet been called on.
Interestingly, Palmer spent a month at Suntory – the Japanese League One powerhouse Jones is a consultant – before the new year.
The attack coach role remains just as intriguing.
Jones could turn to any number of candidates ranging from Chris Whitaker to Stephen Larkham, while recently retired Wallabies star Matt Giteau and overseas coaches Les Kiss and Andy Friend could be left-field options.
Kiss has the London Irish attack firing, overseen the development of young guns like Henry Arundell and has international experience. Friend, meanwhile, is experienced and a calm head.
Peter Hewat, the Ricoh head coach, has developed a strong relationship with Jones since the second half of his career and was brought to Suntory.
It’s believed he intends on signing an extension deal with the Japanese club, but it wouldn’t surprise if he one day pops up.
Scott Wisemantel, too, despite resigning at the start of the year could yet pop up.
Jones’ long-time assistant surprised many when he stepped away at the start of the year, but a few months away from the game could be what he needs before launching into the Test season which starts in July.
After all, Wisemantel was signed on a part-time basis by the Rugby Football Union and was pivotal in England’s run to the World Cup final in 2019.
Whichever way Jones turns he has options.
Those close to him aren’t concerned by the fact he hasn’t got his coaching team, nor his strength and conditioning program, set up.
Jones has been to four World Cups and made three finals, including winning the tournament with the Springboks alongside Jake White in 2007.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.