Wooden spoon Waratahs land crack new coach

July 5, 2024 Sports 52 Views

The NSW Waratahs have confirmed Dan McKellar will be the club’s new coach after landing the Queenslander on a three year deal.

McKellar replaces Darren Coleman at the Waratahs after parting ways with Leicester Tigers following a disappointing 2023-24 campaign.

The forwards specialist had much more success with the ACT Brumbies from 2018-22 and was a Wallabies assistant coach under Dave Rennie in 2021-23.

Watch Wallabies vs Wales, Wallaroos vs Fiji, All Blacks vs England and Springboks vs Ireland, exclusively ad free, live and on demand on Stan Sport

Leicester Tigers coach Dan McKellar at Welford Road Stadium. Getty

“We’re delighted to have a head coach of Dan McKellar’s calibre joining the Waratahs,” NSW Rugby chief executive Paul Doorn said.

“Dan has an impressive coaching resume and achieved great success with the ACT Brumbies in the Super Rugby during his five year tenure.

“Dan will work closely with high performance director Simon Raiwalui, and their partnership marks an exciting new frontier for the Waratahs.

READ MORE: Aussies ruin Andy Murray’s Wimbledon farewell

READ MORE: Panthers send troubled talent packing after charges

READ MORE: Shattered Kokkinakis forced to retire mid match

Taniela Tupou and assistant coach Dan McKellar of the Wallabies celebrate in 2021. Getty

“I am confident that the appointments of Dan and Simon will put the Waratahs on the path to delivering sustained success from 2025 and beyond.”

The Waratahs finished with the wooden spoon this season.

McKellar will officially start work in September but will hope to first bolster the squad with Melbourne Rebels free agents such as Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Rob Leota.

NEW PODCAST! Michael Atkinson and Tom Decent unpack a Wallabies team featuring a new captain in Liam Wright and a whopping seven debutants

“I’m extremely pleased to be joining the NSW Waratahs,” McKellar said.

“Rugby in NSW has a proud history of over 150 years and the Waratahs are the pinnacle of representation within the state. The club fell short of expectations in 2024 but there are building blocks in place to improve on.

“I’m motivated and passionate to deliver a vastly improved performance next season, comprising of consistent efforts that will make the loyal Waratahs fan base proud.”