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Wallabies recruit four more assistant coaches and ex-England S&C boss
By Liam Heagney
London Irish have issued a statement explaining why they have allowed assistant coach Brad Davis to link up with the Wallabies for the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France. The Gallagher Premiership club wrapped up its campaign last Saturday, with their win over Exeter securing a fifth-place finish. That success came amid the backdrop of a delayed payment in wages amid takeover talks with an American investment group.
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Assistant Davis will now miss preparations for the 2023/24 season with the Londoners, instead heading home on a temporary basis to work with Eddie Jones. A former professional rugby league player in the 1990s and 2000s, Davis previously held union coaching roles in the UK with Ospreys in the Pro14 and Bath and Wasps in the Premiership before joining Declan Kidney’s Irish.
A club statement read: “At the request of Australia Rugby, London Irish has agreed to secondment of assistant coach Brad Davis to the Australia coaching setup for the Rugby World Cup before returning to the club to resume his position at Hazelwood.
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“Davis, who joined the Exiles in preparation for the 2019/2020 season, will join Eddie Jones and his staff for this summer’s Rugby Championship, the international fixtures against New Zealand and France, and the competition itself, which will take place in France later this year.”
London Irish boss Kidney said: “Everyone at the club wishes Brad the best of luck for his time with Australia, it’s an opportunity that he thoroughly deserves. International recognition, whether that be coaching or playing, is always a proud achievement for the club. Brad has had a fantastic impact since his arrival, and we look forward to welcoming him back with a wealth more of experience.”
Davis added: “Firstly, I want to thank Declan Kidney, Les Kiss and London Irish for giving me the opportunity to coach on the international stage, something that has always been a dream of mine. It’s a hugely exciting opportunity and I’m looking forward to gaining some fantastic experience from Eddie Jones and the rest of the Australian coaches.
“Like at London Irish, I will be working with an extremely talented group of players. I look forward to bringing all this experience back to London Irish to continue the upward trajectory that we are on.”
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The Wallabies also confirmed three other assistant appointments to Jones’ coaching staff. A Rugby Australia statement explained: “Current ACT Brumbies assistant and former Wallabies prop Dan Palmer has been brought on board as lineout coach and will work closely with Neal Hatley who was announced as forwards coordinator earlier this year. Hatley is set to link up with the team following the conclusion of the English Premiership where he is currently working with Bath.
“Frenchman Pierre-Henry Broncan has been appointed as a maul consultant. The 48-year-old former Castres boss took his side to the French Top 14 final last year and boasts coaching experience with Stade Toulouse and also worked at Bath Rugby in England for two years as a scout and analyst. The maul is an important part of the Wallabies’ attack.
“Meanwhile, former Wallabies fly-half Berrick Barnes will join the ranks on a part-time basis as a kicking consultant. The former Red and Waratah made his Test debut at the 2007 World Cup in France and was also part of the Wallabies 2011 Rugby World Cup squad, going on to play 51 Tests.
“Jones has also finalised his strength and conditioning team with the former head of England’s strength and conditioning program Jon Clarke to lead the S&C team with former Scarlets and Canberra Raiders coach Nigel Ashley-Jones as an assistant. John Pryor also returns to the Wallabies set up as a speed consultant, while Warrick Harrington remains in his role as a sport scientist.”
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Jones said: “We believe we have a quality coaching staff to plan and prepare the team for a Smash and Grab campaign, winning the Bledisloe Cup and finishing winning the Rugby World Cup. It is experienced, diverse and adaptable. Ready to smash and grab.”
2023 Wallabies coaching staff
Head coach: Eddie Jones
Attack coach: Brad Davis
Defence coach: Brett Hodgson
Forwards co-ordinator: Neal Hatley
Lineout coach: Dan Palmer
Maul consultant: Pierre-Henry Broncan
Kicking consultant: Berrick Barnes
Learning co-ordinator: David Rath
Strength and conditioning co-ordinator: Jon Clarke
Strength and conditioning coach: Nigel Ashley-Jones
Speed consultant: John Pryor
Sport scientist: Warrick Harrington
Aus looking dangerous. Most talking of lop sided draw with NZ/IRE/FRA/SAF. Don’t sleep on AU - Eddie going to be laying traps left right and centre