Larkham turns down Wallabies

Editor

Stephen Larkham will not tour with the Wallabies on their November Tour of Europe, instead choosing to focus on the Brumbies.

Stephen Larkham will not tour with the Wallabies on their November Tour of Europe, instead choosing to focus on the Brumbies 2015 campaign.

Despite speculation Larkham would tour as an Assistant Coach, his prior commitment to both the Brumbies and the ACT community will see him remain in Canberra during the next few months.

“While I was honoured to be considered, I felt like taking five weeks out of my first solo preparation for a Super Rugby season wouldn’t be fair on the Brumbies, the local community or my family,” said Larkham.

“I am passionate about the success of Australian rugby, but at this point in time I think I can best serve the Wallabies by remaining focused on the Brumbies, who I hope will make up the backbone of the squad leading into the World Cup.

“Our own program is about to kick off here in Canberra and it would be difficult for me to deliver the outcomes expected of me if I’m not on the ground from day one. Ultimately I know it’s the right decision for the Brumbies, for our local community and for me as a Super Rugby head coach.”

During a distinguished playing career for the Wallabies, Larkham represented Australia on 102 occasions winning Bledisloe Cups, Tri-Nations and a World Cup along the way.

Since 2011 Larkham has mentored the Brumbies backs on a full-time basis, moving into the Head Coaching role in 2013 alongside Laurie Fisher as Director of Rugby.

In that time, nine of his backs have gone on to represent the Wallabies, most recently Tevita Kuridrani and Matt Toomua, who now find themselves as mainstays of the national side.