Joe Schmidt adds beloved coach that Eddie Jones discarded to Wallabies’ staff
Laurie Fisher is retuning to the Wallabies' coaching staff.
Incoming Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt has confirmed the first additions to his backroom staff with Laurie Fisher returning as an assistant.
Fisher brings plenty of experience to the Wallabies camp as he has been involved in professional rugby coaching for more than 20 years and previously had stints at club level with the Brumbies, Munster and Gloucester.
Popular figure in Australia
He is a popular figure in Australian rugby who is renowned for his technical excellence and, apart from his time with the aforementioned clubs, Fisher also had a stint as the Australia U21 team’s coach.
The 65-year-old is no stranger to Australia‘s senior team as he was part of former head coach Dave Rennie’s backroom staff as an assistant in 2022, but became the first casualty of Eddie Jones’ regime in the build-up to their disastrous 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign.
“It’s a genuine privilege to get another opportunity to work with the Wallabies,” Fisher said in a statement. “I’m really excited to work alongside Joe and the team he puts together, which I know will be of the highest quality.
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“There’s no doubt there’s a lot to do and I’m looking forward to doing my bit to contribute to the growth of the team and resurgence of Australian Rugby.”
Schmidt has also confirmed that Eoin Toolan will join Australia as their head of analysis and skills coach.
The duo worked together in Ireland, and Toolan is no stranger to the Australian game as he also spent time with the Rebels. He also coached the Melbourne Rising in 2018 as part of Australia’s National Rugby Championship.
‘Highly respected’
“Laurie brings a wealth of experience to the role and is highly respected around the rugby world,” Schmidt said.
“Having worked with Eoin in Ireland I know he will bring a strong attention to detail and be a very positive addition to the staff and wider team.”
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