Rugby Championship News

Wallabies change coaches mid Rugby Championship

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Matt Taylor steps down as Australia assistant coach before the showdown with South Africa in Adelaide.

Australia has announced a change in their coaching structure that will take place with immediate effect.

After more than a decade at the coalface, and with over 110 Tests as an assistant coach with Scotland and Australia, Matt Taylor has stepped down from his role with the Wallabies.

The call comes after a record 48-17 thrashing at the hands of Argentina in San Juan in Round 2 of the Rugby Championship.

Taylor joined the Wallabies ahead of the 2020 season. Following a discussion with Wallabies coach Dave Rennie, Taylor resigned.

Both parties felt the time was right for the 49-year-old to step away and commit his focus to some personal matters that he needs to prioritise at this point.

Rennie said: “Matt is a great man with a strong work ethic, who is well respected within the Wallabies environment and we will miss him.”

Taylor added: “While this was an extremely difficult decision, I know it’s the right one for me and my family at this point, in time.

“I’m looking forward to spending more time with them and look forward to getting back into coaching when the time is right.”

Brumbies veteran coach Laurie Fisher joins the Wallabies’ set-up after Matt Taylor’s departure.

The Wallabies announced that Laurie Fisher has joined the coaching ranks in an interim assistant role for the rest of the 2022 Rugby Championship.

The current Brumbies forwards coach brings over two decades of professional rugby coaching experience to the group.

Known for his technical excellence, 64-year-old Fisher is a former Australia Under-21s mentor and has also spent time coaching at Munster and Gloucester in Ireland and England respectively.

Rennie said: “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.

“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.”

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