Nathan Grey to transition to full-time Wallabies role

Jun 28 • General News, International • 1121 Views • Comments Off on Nathan Grey to transition to full-time Wallabies role

Qantas Wallabies assistant and NSW Waratahs assistant coach Nathan Grey will move permanently into a national coaching role at the end of the 2017 Super Rugby season, after signing a new two-year contract with the Australian Rugby Union.

Grey, who joined the Wallabies coaching the team in November 2014 and has occupied dual roles as Wallabies assistant coach and NSW Waratahs assistant coach for the past three seasons, will relinquish his role with the NSW Waratahs at the end of the team’s 2017 campaign.

The former 35-Test center is now locked into Michael Cheika’s Wallabies coaching the team until the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

“I have really enjoyed working with this current Wallaby group, as well as the national coaching group,” Grey 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.”

Grey, who has enjoyed stints as a player-coach for Kyuden in Japan’s Top League as well as an assistant at the Melbourne Rebels, was recruited by Michael Cheika to the NSW Waratahs in December 2013.

“It will be very tough to leave the Waratahs but I will continue to be based in Sydney and look forward to spending time rotating around with the Australian Super Rugby teams,” Grey said.

Qantas Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said: “Nathan has been an invaluable asset in his roles at both the Waratahs and Wallabies with me over the last few years. He is very passionate about his coaching and even more passionate about the Wallaby Jersey and what it stands for.

“Having myself coached both (a Super Rugby team and the Wallabies) in 2015, I know how tough a task it is to be in a game mode for nearly 10 months a year and I’m pleased for Nathan that will get the chance to devote his time to a national role.

“It’s another piece of the puzzle to add to the national coaching framework with Stephen going full-time at the end of the Super Rugby season to joining Mario and Mick, and our desire to get our Wallabies to the top while also leaving a legacy for rugby around the country,” Cheika said.

ARU General Manager, High Performance, Ben Whitaker said: “Nathan will continue to work with the Waratahs as well as each of the Super Rugby teams and the emerging player programs.

“To enable him to focus on the Wallabies in a full-time capacity will be great for Australian Rugby.”

Factfile:

Nathan Grey
Born: March 31, 1975 (Gosford)

Wallabies Playing Career
Position: Centre
Test Caps: 35 (1998-2003)
Test points: 35

Coaching Career
Qantas Wallabies – Assistant Coach 2014-
NSW Waratahs – Assistant Coach 2014-2017
Rebels – Assistant Coach 2011-2013
Kyuden – Player/Coach 2005-2010