The Plus500 Brumbies are excited to announce that coach Dan McKellar has been appointed as Wallabies Assistant Coach - Forwards for the upcoming International season.
McKellar will be seconded from the organisation for the 2021 Test season before returning to Canberra ahead of the 2022 Super Rugby campaign.
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.
He has led the side to consecutive Harvey Norman Super Rugby AU Finals including the famous 2020 title win in Canberra.
The Wallabies will play a three-test series against France beginning on July 7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Plus500 Brumbies 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.”
Plus500 Brumbies CEO Phil Thomson said: “The organisation is very pleased for Dan and would like to congratulate him on joining the Wallabies for the upcoming International season.
“This appointment recognises his coaching talent and ability and is one the Brumbies are happy to support in the best interests of the national team.
“Dan’s an example of a coach who’s worked really hard for his opportunities, often taking the road less travelled, with this role the next step in his coaching career.
“Having Dan join an International coaching set up for the back end of the year will allow him to continue to grow as a coach and we’re looking forward to him bringing those experiences back to the Brumbies for the 2022 Super Rugby season.”
The Plus500 Brumbies will play the Highlanders in the final round of Harvey Norman Super Rugby Trans-Tasman at GIO Stadium in Canberra on Friday June 11 at 7:45pm AEST. LIVE and AD FREE on the new Home of Rugby, Stan Sport. Tickets available here.
