The NSW Waratahs have appointed former Wallaby Andrew Blades as their GM of Rugby for the upcoming season.
Blades was announced on Tuesday as part of a coaching overhaul at the club, with Easts head coach Pauli Taumoepeau coming in as the forwards coach.
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The Waratahs and Wallabies legend was excited to take on the role as he looks to turn around the club's fortunes.
“I’m very privileged to get the opportunity to return to NSW Rugby and to play a role in helping the organisation implement performance strategies with the aim of long-term success for the Waratahs and its high-performance programs,” Blades said.
“NSW Rugby union holds a special place in my heart, so this is an ideal opportunity to come full circle and back home to the organisation.
“My experience in the NSW Rugby landscape will help me develop strategies to improve our player pathways and I’m looking forward to working with the coaching staff and the high-performance team to bring success to the Waratahs and the NSW Rugby Union.”
Meanwhile, Taumoepeau reunites with his former NSW Country boss Darren Coleman after turning around Easts fortunes as their head coach and Director of Rugby.
“I’m really excited to join the Waratahs and be a part of Darren Coleman’s coaching team and can’t wait to get stuck in and have a positive influence on the group,” Taumoepeau said.
“The Waratahs were the first team I supported growing up and all my heroes wore the famous Sky-Blue, so this role has a real emotional connection for me. It’s an incredibly proud moment for myself and my family.
“There is a lot of talent in the squad, and I can’t wait to get to work alongside DC, Chris Whitaker and Jason Gilmore to help bring some confidence back to the side through a lot of hard work.”
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Waratahs CEO Paul Doorn praised the pair, believing their vast experience can help reconnect the side and begin their fightback following a winless 2020.
"Andrew and Pauli are both fantastic additions to NSW Rugby and bring a unique mix of experience and knowledge to our organisation from a playing and management perspective,” Doorn added.
“Both have a deep and specialised understanding of rugby and Andrew’s international experience and Pauli’s success in coaching and player development adds depth to the Waratahs program. Both are a product of the Shute Shield and it again shows that the competition produces quality coaches.”
