Premiership-winning ACT Brumbies coach Dan McKellar will join the Wallabies' coaching set-up, but he won't be lost to the capital.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
McKellar will take on an assistant coaching role, focused on the forward line, as part of a dual coaching gig with the national team and the Brumbies.
McKellar will be seconded from the ACT organisation for the upcoming Test season before returning to Canberra ahead of the 2022 Super Rugby campaign.
The 44-year-old said he was excited to join the Wallabies' coaching group and work alongside head coach Dave Rennie, thanking the Brumbies for allowing him to take on the dual role.
"I'm a really proud Australian and I want nothing more than to see the Wallabies to do well," McKellar said.
"We have a really exciting group of players at the moment and there's more talent coming through as well that will only continue to push the wider squad to get better.
"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."
READ MORE:
McKellar has been at the helm of the Brumbies for the last four seasons and has led the side to consecutive Super Rugby AU finals.
McKellar has previously coached at Tuggeranong Vikings, Souths Rugby Club in Brisbane and NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes in Japan.
Rennie said he had been "really impressed" during his dealings with McKellar and looked forward to working with him.
"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," he said.
McKellar's first challenge with the Wallabies will come in a three-Test series against France from July 7.
Rugby Australia chief executive officer Andy Marinos said McKellar's appointment was another important step forward in building a winning team and culture in the national side.
"[Dan] showed us his vision and strategy to further develop and enhance our set piece as well as general forward game to provide a platform from which we can play," he said.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark canberratimes.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram