Foley joins the Waratahs

Wallabies Forwards coach Michael Foley, often credited with the widespread improvements in the Australian scrum, will end his three-year stint with the national team in January and move to the Waratahs for the 2009 Super 14.

Wallabies Forwards coach Michael Foley, often credited with the widespread improvements in the Australian scrum, will end his three-year stint with the national team in January and move to the Waratahs for the 2009 Super 14.

“I have enjoyed my time with the Wallabies immensely and there is still much to be done over the next few months,” Foley said.

“We are in the midst of a Tri-Nations campaign and have a six-match tour to Hong Kong and Europe in November/December.

“Looking further ahead, what this opportunity with the Waratahs provides is an appealing opportunity to be at home more frequently.

“With four children, that's very important to me and my family. The travel demands over the past three seasons have been extensive.”

ARU High Performance Unit General Manager David Nucifora said there were no immediate plans to seek a replacement for Foley with the Wallabies next year.

“We'll have several months after the Spring Tour to consider the make-up of the coaching staff for 2009 and beyond,” he said.

Waratahs Head Coach Chris Hickey said Foley's acquisition will provide continuity in coaching where real progress has been made.

“Michael's been working hard with our forwards for some time now and we've seen the results in the Waratahs' set piece play and scrummaging in particular,” said Hickey.

“During the Super 14 Michael has been a familiar face around the place so to know that we've got him full time now is a major coup for NSW Rugby.”