Four years after getting a taste of international coaching, Geoff Parling will return as the Wallabies’ new lineout coach.
The Roar can reveal the Rebels assistant, who coached alongside Dave Rennie in six Tests during the 2020 campaign, is set to be unveiled as Joe Schmidt’s latest – and final – recruit to his coaching team in the coming days.
It comes after Rugby Australia advertised for the position in recent weeks, with interviews held last week.
While RA was keen on adding an Australian to the coaching team given Schmidt and new scrum coach Mike Cron are New Zealanders, the governing body settled on Parling, who cut his teeth in coaching Down Under. He joins long-time Brumbies mentor Laurie Fisher in the four-man coaching team.
Well-regarded Reds forwards coach Zane Hilton was considered but it was thought the entire Queensland program would benefit from stability.
“It’s an honour to coach the Wallabies and to work alongside Joe and the coaching group he has put together,” Parling said in a statement on Thursday morning confirming The Roar’s initial report.
“The events on the horizon for the Wallabies and Australian rugby represent an incredible opportunity for everyone involved in the game. I will look to work hard with the Rebels through until the end of Super Rugby, then knuckle down and help push the Wallabies forward.”
Geoff Parling is set to return to the Wallabies coaching team. Photo: Andrew Phan, Rugby Australia
Schmidt added: “Geoff has spent more than 20 years, playing and coaching in the professional game. His understanding of the lineout, along with his Super Rugby knowledge, and previous experience with the Wallabies will add value to our coaching group.”
Parling has been with the Rebels since joining the franchise for the 2018 Super Rugby season.
After hanging up the boots, he quickly transitioned into coaching.
Under his watch, the Rebels’ lineout has been somewhat inconsistent, with throwing issues particularly plaguing their set-piece progress.
Indeed, in 2024, the Rebels have won just 81.5 per cent of their lineouts, which ranks eighth in the competition.
Yet, given the inexperience across the Australian coaching ranks around forward play, it was no surprise that RA settled on Parling.
His appointment will give the Wallabies a unique insight ahead of next year’s British and Irish Lions campaign.
Alex Corbisiero (L), Owen Farrell and Geoff Parling hold the Tom Richards Cup as they celebrate after their victory over the Wallabies in the Lions decider on July 6, 2013 in Sydney. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Parling, 40, featured in all three Tests against the Wallabies the last time the Lions toured Australia, including in their series victory in Sydney.
His appointment also made sense given the state of limbo the Rebels currently are operating in.
Contracted until June 30, Parling will make a seamless transition to the Wallabies, who begin life under Schmidt on July 6 against Wales.
Rebels assistant Geoff Parling is set to join Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies coaching team. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)
After previously signing a new two-year deal last year to remain at the Rebels, Parling said he called Australia home now and was looking forward to playing a part in the Lions series.
“I work with some great people that are working extremely hard to bring success to the Rebels and Victorian Rugby,” said Parling.
“My family love where we now call home and I see some great young talent coming through in Victoria that I’m excited about helping develop and push to make the most of their careers.
“Whilst we know we still have growing to do, we’re determined to put our print in this great sporting city, especially with everything to come in the next few years.
“A Lions tour in 2025 and home World Cup in 2027 make it an exciting time to be here.
“The Lions was a special experience and one of my fondest memories in rugby. The tradition and midweek games have moments that are lost a bit in the modern game but give memories that last forever.”
AncientProp
Roar Rookie
Re lineout stats. The Reds, Hurricanes, Blues, Waratahs and Chiefs are well out in front, at over 86% . The Force, Highlanders, Brumbies and Rebels are all around 82%, with negligible difference between them. So the Rebels are simply second tier at present. Certainly not last, or anywhere near.
LBJ
Roar Rookie
Okay mate...Keep telling yourself what you want to hear.
Olly
Roar Rookie
Yes there was a process that went across the globe. Hence we have two overseas coaches and two local product coaches. Expression of interests, interviews etc etc. normal process.
LBJ
Roar Rookie
Yeah. That's not a process.
Olly
Roar Rookie
Simple. 2 of the four coaches are via the Australian coaching system and the Australian coaches are not good enough. Very obvious looking at the results
LBJ
Roar Rookie
Well, we were told the process would involve a global search and have a very strong Australian flavour. I don't see any evidence of any of those characteristics. So if you do, please explain it to the rest of us...
LBJ
Roar Rookie
If that is the case. Then you must agree that they should be judged solely on win loss and tournament success - As there is no other measure. Which means we must set a number that they must be judged against. I would put that number 70% AND silverware. Anything less and they should go.
Ben Pobjie
Expert
I feel like that would sully its purity.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
What they will do after the role is irrelevant. They’re not employed for that.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
You made zero argument for competence. Only nationality.
30mm tags
Roar Rookie
Ben, your articles and comments are clever, cutting and necessarily brutal and nearly always amusing. However this time I would like a little more support to your post.
MO
Roar Rookie
We need a lineout coach and parling maybe the best available. He has migrated with his family. He may do stints back in Europe but long term I reckon he’ll come back.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
Username checks out!
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
Your evil plan is coming together- Moohahaha!
Muglair
Roar Rookie
... and many more millions on many more issues. I suppose it depends on whether anything ever gets beyond, thought bubbles, water coolers, or press releases.
LBJ
Roar Rookie
You simply cannot build a strong argument that this latest appointment is world class. That doesn't mean he is a bad coach and I've no doubt he is a terrific bloke - like the rest of them. My comments are never personal. The point is that it is outrageous when our increasingly limited funding is used to develop mediocre talent from other places, who will take whatever growth they gain from their position and apply it elsewhere or not at all. Schmidt is commuting to Aus (because of his impressive devotion to his family), Cron is retired - and commuting from NZ. Fisher will retire after this appointment. Parling will go directly to Europe. Not one of these appointments will grow the game here beyond their record on the pitch. So unless the results are outrageously good, it is a complete waste of time, money and opportunity - just like Rennie was.
Khun Phil
Roar Rookie
I understand what you are saying,that coaches have been fair game for Roar contributors for many years.Deans,Cheika,Rennie,then Eddie,all had a lot of initial support but many supporters turned against them.Of course in some cases(Eddie?),it was justifiable due to performance of the team,which is why I am just hoping you are wrong this time.If the Wallabies start performing and rise up the rankings by winning Bledisloe,RC,Lions series,2027 RWC,then it will be hard for anyone to complain :laughing:
Paul
Roar Rookie
Yes. That's the one. Thanks for providing both context and my trigger for the day. Rebels have the bye this week, but the Storm got me over the line for the weekly Grill'd buy one get one free on Monday. Everyone should sign up, costs nothing the only catch is no takeaway, have to eat in. I like Grill'd - good burgers and great use of an apostrophe!
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
'people like you seem to think that you have better insight and knowledge than the guy who has been a highly successful professional coach'. That's your characterisation of what I said, which of course has little to do with it. And sorry an informed viewer has opinions and they can be correct. A coach makes mistakes even if professional. But don't let that interrupt the worship you wish to bestow on professionals.
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
'A professional coach is not a politician' Not sure about that. And don't bow too low before them.