The ACT Brumbies will throw open their doors to welcome back former coach Stephen Larkham in whatever capacity available, despite his falling out with Wallabies coach Michael Cheika.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Larkham was axed by Cheika this week after the pair failed to agree on coaching and attacking philosophy. The split came just 18 months after Cheika convinced Larkham to leave the Brumbies to join the Wallabies full-time.
Rugby Australia has shifted Larkham into a new role as a coach mentor, which could involve working with Super Rugby coaches this season.
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar is open to the idea of having Larkham back in the Canberra office after taking the reins from the former champion flyhalf at the start of last year.
Brumbies skipper Christian Lealiifano also backed Larkham to use the experience as a development opportunity.
"Absolutely [he will be back better], he'll only learn and grow," Lealiifano said at the Super Rugby launch.
"That's what I love about him, he continually looks for development and growth in himself as a coach and as a person. Whatever he does, he gives his all. I'm sure he'll do well and rip into the next thing.
"I still see him as a quality coach who can be a national coach anywhere in the world. I just love seeing his continual growth ... I had him as a coach for seven years and one year as a [teammate].
"He's someone I looked up to a lot and he's got all of the skills to do well. I'm sure he'll have support to continue."
McKellar added:"I was fortunate enough to work with Bernie (Larkham) for four years.
"We all understand that coaching is a cut-throat industry but I’m really disappointed for Bern that he won’t get to the next World Cup.
"His knowledge and his experience and his love of making footballers better… he has many great years ahead of him coaching at this level and the professional level.
"In his new advisory role if that means we see more of him around the Brumbies, the door is always open."
Larkham's exit has caused an uproar in some circles, who feel as he has been made the scapegoat for a poor Wallabies campaign.
The Wallabies' attack dipped last year and contributed to the team winning just four of 13 Tests in 2018. But the source of angst about the Larkham decision is a decline in the team's defensive record since 2015.
It also comes at a time when the Wallabies are trying to work with Super Rugby franchises to finalise a collaboration plan to rest key players during the Super Rugby season.
All Australian teams will be forced to manage training and game time for some players this year in the hope it will help boost Wallabies performances for the World Cup in Japan.
Rugby Australia and the Super Rugby coaches have been speaking about the process for almost six months to find the right mix after a late-notice debacle involving the Brumbies last year.
"We're having those conversations about individuals and games ... you can pencil things in but circumstances change. At least we're having regular discussions around it," McKellar said.
"I know the guys who they're looking at and how many games they have off, and we'll fulfil that. I want the Brumbies to be successful and equally I want the Wallabies to be successful, we've just got to work together."
