McKellar, du Plessis to leave Wallabies set-up

Wed, Feb 22, 2023, 8:00 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Wallabies travelled to Cardiff for their final Spring Tour match of 2022.

The Wallabies have confirmed forwards coach Dan McKellar and scrum coach Petrus du Plessis have left their positions effective immediately.

McKellar joined the Wallabies coaching staff in 2021 whilst coaching the Brumbies, moving to a full-time position following the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season.

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It has been widely reported McKellar will sign with English Premiership side Leicester, filling the vacancy left by current England boss Steve Borthwick.

 “This was an extremely difficult decision to make but it’s one that’s made with my best professional and family interests in mind," McKellar said in a statement.

“I firmly believe my next challenge will make me a better coach and hopefully allow me to return home and contribute in a positive fashion to Australian Rugby in the future.

“I’d like to thank Andy, Eddie and Dave Rennie for their support and giving me the opportunity to be part of the Wallabies coaching staff over the past two years. 

"I'd also like to thank the players and I wish them and Eddie all the best in what's a massive year ahead."

Du Plessis also confirmed his departure, having linked up with Dave Rennie in 2020.

"I'd like to thank Rugby Australia for the opportunity to work with the Wallabies and the broader Australian system over the past two and a half years," he said.

"After meeting with Eddie, I made the difficult decision to resign from the role and explore my business interests outside of Rugby.

"I'm looking forward to spending more time with my family and I'd like to wish Eddie and the team all the best for the 2023 season."

“We are disappointed that Dan will not continue with the Wallabies this year. However, I want to thank him for his service to Australian Rugby, especially with the Wallabies and at Super Rugby level and am sure he will return in the future having gained some more valuable experience as a coach," RA CEO Andy Marinos added.

“He has made a great impact since joining the Brumbies in 2014 and transitioned into his national assistant role well over the past two seasons, we wish him and his family all the best for the future.

"We also want to thank Petrus for his contribution to the Wallabies and wish him and his family all the best in their next chapter.

It completes a revitalisation of the coaching staff as new Wallabies coach Eddie Jones looks to start clean.

Jones will finalise his coaching staff in the coming weeks as the build to September's World Cup continues.

“Together with Eddie we will continue to work hard to assemble a quality coaching staff to deliver a high performing environment in our preparation for The Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup later this year," Marinos added.

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