Dan McKellar lands new gig after shock Leicester exit as he links up with ex-Fiji coach
Coach Dan McKellar looks on.
The Waratahs have confirmed that Dan McKellar will take over from Darren Coleman as head coach of the side after a difficult season in Super Rugby Pacific this year.
McKellar’s appointment comes just weeks after being removed from his role at the helm of Premiership side Leicester Tigers, who have replaced him with another Australian in the form of Michael Cheika.
Double up
The Waratahs clearly did not want to waste any time as they swooped on McKellar soon after appointing former Fiji boss Simon Raiwalui as High-Performance Director with the goal of starting a “new frontier” for rugby in New South Wales.
McKellar is experienced, having had success with the Brumbies in the past while also working as an assistant in the Wallabies set-up. The Waratahs believe he can lead the team to success.
“We’re delighted to have a head coach of Dan McKellar’s calibre joining the Waratahs,” CEO Paul Doorn said in a statement.
“Dan has an impressive coaching resume and achieved great success with the ACT Brumbies in Super Rugby during his five-year tenure.
“Dan will work closely with High-Performance Director Simon Raiwalui, and their partnership marks an exciting new frontier for the Waratahs.
“I am confident that the appointments of Dan and Simon will put the Waratahs on the path to delivering sustained success from 2025 and beyond.”
Bringing glory back
McKellar is excited by the appointment and is desperate to bring the glory days back to the Waratahs.
“I’m extremely pleased to be joining the NSW Waratahs,” McKellar explained.
“Rugby in NSW has a proud history of over 150 years and the Waratahs are the pinnacle of representation within the state.
“The club fell short of expectations in 2024 but there are building blocks in place to improve on.
“I’m motivated and passionate to deliver a vastly improved performance next season, comprising of consistent efforts that will make the loyal Waratahs fanbase proud.”
