Rugby Australia has confirmed Wallaroos coach Jay Tregonning has been re-signed for the 2023 season.
Tregonning took over at the end of 2021, tasked with guiding a program that had limited game-time into the delayed Rugby World Cup.
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Under his guidance, the Wallaroos managed to reach the quarter-final after wins over Scotland and Wales, the furthest they had gone since 2010.
They were eventually eliminated by world number one England, their 29th straight win in a row.
The Wallaroos debuted 19 new players in 2022, with Tregonning looking to continue their development heading into the future.
“It will be great to go into 2023 with a large percentage of players who have accrued valuable Test Match experience,” said Tregonning in a statement.
“The coaching staff and I are looking forward to continuing to build on our performances from last year – there were definitely inconsistencies within key areas of our game and these will be areas of focus.
“Although making it through to the Quarter-Finals at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand was a great achievement, the players and staff are hungry for more success.
“The whole program is excited about the prospect of Eddie Jones having input into the program – being able to collaborate with one of the world’s best coaches, and being able to bounce thoughts off him is a major opportunity for myself, the staff and the players.”
The Wallaroos also confirmed an expanded calendar in 2023, starting with a one-off Test against Fijiana.
This will be followed by the Pacific Four Series and the O’Reilly Cup against Black Ferns, before the inaugural WXV competition later in the year.
“From the first test against Fiji to that thrilling match against the Black Ferns in Adelaide, to the progression through to the Quarter-Finals of the Rugby World Cup we saw an improvement in the team's performances from the start to the end of the season. We are confident that Jay will take the Wallaroos to new heights this year,” added RA CEO Andy Marinos.
“Our Wallaroos have shown that they are incredible role models to girls and young women around the country. This is an exciting time for women’s rugby as we continue to build on the interest and excitement around the game.
“Jay will also benefit from the guidance of Eddie Jones, who joins RA as the Wallabies Head Coach, yet will play an important role overseeing the Wallaroos program and working directly with Jay and his coaches – Eddie's oversight and involvement will add enormous value to both the coaching staff and the players.
“We have some exciting announcements in the pipeline regarding the future of the program as we work towards a fully professional future for the Wallaroos.”
