STEPHEN LARKHAM TO TRANSITION TO FULL-TIME WALLABIES COACHING ROLE
Qantas Wallabies assistant and Brumbies Head Coach Stephen Larkham will move permanently into the Qantas Wallabies coaching team at the end of the 2017 Super Rugby season after signing a new three-year contract with the Australian Rugby Union today.
Larkham, who joined the Wallabies coaching team in February 2015 and has occupied dual roles as Wallabies Attack Coach and Brumbies Head Coach for the past two seasons, will relinquish his role with the Brumbies at the end of the team’s 2017 campaign.
The 102-Test former Wallabies flyhalf is now locked into Michael Cheika’s Wallabies coaching team until the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Larkham said he was looking forward to continuing to work with the young Wallabies backline, as well as the next crop of players coming through the ranks in Super Rugby.
“I have really enjoyed working with this current Wallaby group, as well as the national coaching group,” Larkham said.
“I hope we can continue to grow to be where we know we can be, and I’m looking forward to being part of that.”
Larkham, who has led the Brumbies to the Super Rugby finals in each of his three seasons at the helm in Canberra, said he is committed to helping the club transition to a new Head Coach for 2018.
“It will be very tough to leave but I will continue to be based in Canberra and involved with the Brumbies.
“I will be totally committed to having a successful 2017 with the Brumbies, and support the club in its recruitment of a new Head Coach for 2018 and beyond,” he said.
Qantas Wallabies Head Coach Michael Cheika said: “Stephen is on his way to becoming a world class coach and I know he is very passionate about his coaching and the Wallaby Jersey.
“Having coached both last year (a Super Rugby team and the Wallabies) I know it’s a difficult task and I’m pleased for Stephen that he has sorted out his future and obviously, I personally am pleased that he’s going to continue with us beyond this year.”
ARU General Manager, High Performance, Ben Whitaker said: “Stephen will continue to work with the Brumbies across Super Rugby and the emerging player programs.
“To enable him to focus on the Wallabies in a full-time capacity is a great coup for Australian Rugby, while he will still have a strong influence in his home town.”
Factfile:
Stephen Larkham
Born: May 29, 1974 (Canberra)
Playing Career
Position: Flyhalf/fullback
Test caps: 102 (1996-2007)
Test points: 135
Super Rugby caps: 116 (all for Brumbies, 1996-2007)
Super Rugby points: 204
Coaching Career
Australia – Attack Coach 2015-
Brumbies – Head Coach 2014-
Brumbies – Assistant Coach 2011-2013
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