Brumbies coach Dan McKellar will join Dave Rennie's coaching staff for the upcoming Test calendar as the forwards' coach.
McKellar, who has guided the club to back-to-back Super Rugby AU Final, will take over in the role at the end of the Trans-Tasman series before returning to the Brumbies in 2022.
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“I’m really excited to join the Wallabies coaching group and work alongside Dave. I’m a really proud Australian and I want nothing more than to see the Wallabies to do well," he said.
“We have a really exciting group of players at the moment and there’s more talent coming through as well that will only continue to push the wider squad to get better.
“I’ve learned a lot about the game, and myself, as coach of the Brumbies and I believe this is the natural step in my progression and development.
“I want to thank Phil Thomson and the Brumbies for allowing me this opportunity and the Wallabies group for being so welcoming already. I can’t wait to get stuck in after finishing on a high in Harvey Norman Super Rugby Trans-Tasman."
Rennie, who sounded out McKellar to join the staff in 2020, was delighted to secure his services for the upcoming International series.
“Dan has enjoyed some great success in Canberra with the Brumbies over the last few years and has grown as a communicator and a leader," he said.
“I’ve been really impressed throughout my dealings with Dan and look forward to working alongside him with the rest of the Wallabies coaching group this year."
Rugby Australia Chief Executive Officer Andy Marinos added: “We are very pleased to have someone of Dan’s calibre join the Wallabies coaching ranks and want to thank Phil Thomson and the Brumbies for their understanding and support in this appointment.
“Dan came through his interview process well and showed us his vision and strategy to further develop and enhance our set piece as well as general forward game to provide a platform from which we can play. This appointment is another important step forward in the development of a winning team and culture that we can all get behind.
“We can now look forward to the eToro France Series and enjoy the Wallabies performances under the leadership of Dave and his coaching staff,”
