It wasn’t long ago that Wallabies assistant John Ulugia was packing down with and against the likes of Allan Alaalatoa and Angus Bell at Super Rugby.
Now, the scrum coach is eager to continue the work Mike Cron started in turning the Wallabies’ scrum into a weapon.
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Ulugia took over ahead of the Spring Tour after the legendary Kiwi coach stepped down after the Rugby Championship.
It’s a rapid rise for the ex-Top 14 hooker, who pulled on the Brumbies jersey only two years ago.
Ulugia had retired and joined the Brumbies’ coaching staff before a string of injuries, including to current Wallabies hooker Billy Pollard, saw the hooker rushed into the 23 to face the NSW Waratahs in the 2023 season opener.
A further knock to Connal McInerney brought Ulugia onto the field inside five minutes, who held his own at scrum-time alongside Alaalatoa against the likes of Bell and retired ex-Wallabies skipper Dave Porecki.
The 39-year-old would play one further game off the bench against the Blues, heading back into retirement as he made his name as the club’s scrum coach.
“I might have a run out at training but in terms of preparing the lads, my job here today for this trip is to make sure they're well prepared and keep that job that ‘Crono’ has done over the last couple of years going,” Ulugia smiled when asked if he still pulls the boots on.
Ulugia comes in with over 200 first-class games worth of experience as a player and admits the transition has been ‘daunting’ as he imparts his wisdom on the Wallabies.
He maintains daily contact with Cron, drawing on the expertise of one of the finest set-piece coaches in the game's history.
“It’s a bit daunting when you mix it around some of the best players in the country,” he admitted.
“The experience I've had in Super Rugby and also staying close with Mike Cron over the last couple of years since I've transitioned into coaching has been hugely rewarding in terms of where I started and where I am now in building my coaching profile.
“I'm daily on the phone with Cron, which is good. He's been hugely supportive since he joined the Wallabies two years ago, even now. So I think he's always going to be around somewhere; he's obviously got that much experience, so you can count on somebody like him.
“It's hugely confident in helping me go forward with the role now.”
Hooker Pollard has been with Ulugia throughout his brief coaching career at club and country.
He praised Ulugia’s influence over his career in becoming the first-choice hooker for the Wallabies.
“It's been really good. He's had a huge impact at Brumbies, and he's been rewarded with the job here now,” Pollard added.
“He certainly deserves it, and he's got here on merit because he's a very good coach. He's someone who's had a massive influence on me personally and my career.”
