Wallabies find new assistant coach on short notice to help prepare for Boks

Veteran mentor Laurie Fisher has been called in to boost the Wallabies’ coaching staff ahead of their looming home Rugby Championship clashes with world champions South Africa.

The Wallabies are coming off a record 47-17 thumping by Argentina and Fisher’s “interim assistant” appointment announcement comes two days after defence coach Matt Taylor departed his role for “personal reasons”.

Rugby Australia (RA) said Fisher was contacted on Friday about joining the coaching setup and was linking with the Wallabies on Sunday as they assembled ahead of Saturday’s opening Test against the Springboks in Adelaide.

The current Brumbies forwards coach, 64-year-old Fisher brings over two decades of professional rugby coaching experience to the group.

Known for his technical excellence, Fisher has also spent time coaching at Munster and Gloucester in Ireland and England.

“We’re grateful Laurie has been able to join us at such short notice and would also like to thank the Brumbies for their support too,” said Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie in RA’s statement.

“He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience which will only benefit our playing group ahead of what are going to be extremely tough Test matches in the Rugby Championship.”

Fisher said: “I’m excited to join the coaching group at the Wallabies and would like to thank Dave for the opportunity.”

“I’m looking forward to getting on the grass this week and contributing to the success of the group moving forward.”