Upon leaving Leicester with a shock, Dan McKellar finds a new job with an ex-Fijian coach.
The Waratahs have announced that, following a challenging season in Super Rugby Pacific this year, Dan McKellar will succeed Darren Coleman as head coach of the team. Only a few weeks have passed since McKellar was fired as the head coach of the Premier League’s Leicester Tigers and replaced by another Australian, Michael Cheika. Increase by two
The Waratahs, who wanted to establish a “new frontier” for rugby in New South Wales, quickly moved to take McKellar, evidently not wanting to waste any time after recruiting former Fijian coach Simon Raiwalui as High-Performance Director. McKellar is seasoned, having worked as an assistant in the Wallabies setup in addition to enjoying success with the Brumbies. The Waratahs think he can take the team to new heights. In a statement, CEO Paul Doorn remarked, “We’re delighted to have a head coach of Dan McKellar’s calibre joining the Waratahs.”
Dan had a remarkable coaching background and led the ACT Brumbies to remarkable success in Super Rugby over his five-year stay. Dan will collaborate closely with Simon Raiwalui, the High-Performance Director, and their alliance presents the Waratahs with an exciting new chapter in their history.
“I’m sure that Dan and Simon’s appointments will set the Waratahs up for long-term success starting in 2025 and beyond.”
Returning glory to the realm The appointment excites McKellar, who is eager to return the Waratahs to their former glory. “I’m thrilled to be a part of the NSW Waratahs,” McKellar said. “NSW boasts a storied 150-year rugby heritage, with the Waratahs representing the highest level of representation in the state. Although the team didn’t live up to expectations in 2024, there are still foundations in place for improvement.
“Next season, I’m driven and excited to deliver a significantly better performance, full of steady efforts that will inspire the devoted Waratahs fanbase.”