Justin Harrison takes over as Classic Wallabies boss

Fri, Jan 18, 2019, 7:22 AM
Sarah Friend
by Sarah Friend
Former test lock Justin Harrison rejoins the Australian Rugby family as the new Classic Wallabies manger. He says a big part of his role will be making sure ex-Wallaby players have an end story that they can transition to in life after rugby.

Former Wallabies lock Justin Harrison has bid ‘au revoir’ to France after an eight-year stint to return home to Australia and take  over as new general manager of the Classic Wallabies.

Harrison replaces Stephen Hoiles, who has moved on to become an assistant coach of the Australian Men’s Sevens program.
 
Harrison told RUGBY.com.au he and his family are delighted to be back amongst the Australian rugby family, and the 34-Test lock says he’ll be firmly focused on addressing the gap between players' professional careers and their life after rugby in 2019.

“We’ve got a very romantic period when you’re enticed to come and play rugby," Harrison said.
 
Justin Harrison in action for the Wallabies. Photo: Getty Images“Then you have the performance in the arena where you’re paid appropriately to play in front of the community, but we haven’t really got that end story right yet and that’s what we’re addressing.

“We’re looking at making sure that, that transition from sporting excellence and national representation right down through to club presence and community presence is a seamless transition.”


Harrison made his debut for the Wallabies in 2001, and retired in 2009. He moved into coaching in France and teamed up with Chris Whitaker for several seasons at Narbonne.

Harrison said he is keen to harness the "golden thread" connecting all ex-Wallabies players to continue the Classics' ever-increasing work in the community, where they play exhibition games, hold kids' clinics and generally spread the good word about rugby.
 
There will be a welcome addition to the Classics this year, too, with the Classic Wallaroos to be launched on the 9th of February in Brisbane.

A side including ex-players like Ash Hewson, Jacqui Cutts and Mollie Gray will play for the first time in rugby 10s game against  the Brothers women’s team.

“That’s a huge advancement in recognition of what happens in the sporting arena and the sacrifices that are required to reach some sort of elite performance," Harrison said.
 
“The Classic Wallaroos women’s rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the world at the moment and we are producing some outstanding athletes, but we are also affecting people’s lives so we need to make sure that everyone is engaged, and everyone feels  a part of something worthwhile.”

Share
Super Rugby Pacific 2024 TOTW: Looking at the best Australian performers from Round Four
Waratahs to turn up heat to save Super Rugby season
Tickets for the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia go on sale today. Photo: Getty Images
British & Irish Lions tour tickets on sale to the public today
Rebels to ring changes after heavy Super loss to Reds