Rugby Australia are pleased to confirm that Brumbies coach Dan McKellar will join the Wallabies as the Assistant Coach - Forwards for this year’s Test season.
McKellar will be seconded from the Brumbies for 2021 before returning to Canberra ahead of the 2022 Super Rugby season.
The 44-year-old has served as Head Coach of the Brumbies for the last four seasons having previously coached at Tuggeranong Vikings, Souths Rugby Club in Brisbane as well as NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes in Japan.
McKellar has led the Brumbies to back-to-back Harvey Norman Super Rugby AU Finals after claiming the title in 2020.
New Wallabies Forward Coach Dan McKellar said: “I’m really excited to join the Wallabies coaching group and work alongside Dave. I’m a really proud Australian and I want nothing more than to see the Wallabies to do well.
“We have a really exciting group of players at the moment and there’s more talent coming through as well that will only continue to push the wider squad to get better.
“I’ve learned a lot about the game, and myself, as coach of the Brumbies and I believe this is the natural step in my progression and development.
“I want to thank Phil Thomson and the Brumbies for allowing me this opportunity and the Wallabies group for being so welcoming already. I can’t wait to get stuck in after finishing on a high in Harvey Norman Super Rugby Trans-Tasman,” McKellar said.
Wallabies Head Coach Dave Rennie said: “Dan has enjoyed some great success in Canberra with the Brumbies over the last few years and has grown as a communicator and a leader.
“I’ve been really impressed throughout my dealings with Dan and look forward to working alongside him with the rest of the Wallabies coaching group this year,” Rennie said.
Rugby Australia Chief Executive Officer Andy Marinos said: “We are very pleased to have someone of Dan’s calibre join the Wallabies coaching ranks and want to thank Phil Thomson and the Brumbies for their understanding and support in this appointment.
“Dan came through his interview process well and showed us his vision and strategy to further develop and enhance our set piece as well as general forward game to provide a platform from which we can play. This appointment is another important step forward in the development of a winning team and culture that we can all get behind.
“We can now look forward to the eToro France Series and enjoy the Wallabies performances under the leadership of Dave and his coaching staff,” Marinos said.
A former loosehead prop for Souths in Brisbane’s Hospital Cup, McKellar played more than 150 premier grade games before playing stints in Scotland and Ireland.
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