Waratahs to part ways with Coleman at end of season

Rugby Australia has begun its search to find a replacement for Waratahs coach Darren Coleman, who was informed on Monday that his services would not be required for next season.

Nathan Grey, Michael Cheika and Stephen Hoiles loom as the most likely candidates to take over from Coleman after another woeful season from the men in sky blue.

Coleman, who is in the final season of a three-year deal, has overseen a Waratahs team with just two wins from 12 matches in 2024.

It is the Waratahs’ second-worst season in Super Rugby history. A winless season in 2021 prompted the departure of Rob Penney, who was succeeded by Coleman – a Shute Shield journeyman with worldwide coaching experience.

The Waratahs and Coleman were keen to have clarity on coaching situation for next season back in March. However, it was decided then that a decision would not be made until after the conclusion of the Super Rugby season, following advice from RA that there was no rush to make an appointment for 2025.

However, that plan was abandoned following losses to the Brumbies (29-21) and Western Force (27-7) over the past 10 days.

Waratahs head coach Darren Coleman.Credit: Getty

Coleman will remain as head coach for the Waratahs’ last two games of the season, against Moana Pasifika (Saturday) and the Queensland Reds (May 31).

Under Coleman, the Waratahs have won just 16 of 42 matches over the past three seasons at a win rate of 38 per cent). NSW made the quarter-finals in 2022 and 2023, but failed to reach the last four on both occasions.

Only a mathematical miracle could see the Waratahs reach the play-offs this season after a horror run of form that has coincided with a remarkable list of injuries to front-rowers.

Waratahs management and the franchise’s high-performance committee decided over the weekend that Coleman did not deserve a contract extension.

Fergus Lee-Warner of the Waratahs looks dejected during a loss to the Hurricanes.Credit: Getty

A recommendation was put forward to the Waratahs board, which was accepted.

Doorn held talks with Coleman on Sunday but officially delivered the news to the coach on Monday, as well as players and staff, before a press release was sent out at 4.29pm on Monday afternoon. Coleman and Doorn will address the media on Tuesday afternoon at the team’s headquarters in Daceyville.

Doorn declined to comment on Monday evening. Coleman has been contacted for comment.

“The decision not to extend Darren’s contract was made after careful consideration and evaluation of the high-performance function, the team’s performance, and the future objectives of our organisation,” Doorn said in a statement.

Michael Cheika and Michael Hooper celebrate victory over the Crusaders in the Super Rugby decider in 2014.Credit: Getty

“The NSW Waratahs expresses our gratitude to Darren for his hard work and dedication throughout his time with our club and extends its best wishes to Darren for his future endeavours. We sincerely thank him for his contributions to the NSW Waratahs and rugby in NSW.

“During his tenure, Darren has brought a deep connection to rugby in NSW, especially the Shute Shield, a passion for the game, and dedication to the team.

“His leadership of the program has always been very authentic, and he has built genuine connections with staff, players, and Waratah fans.

“Under Darren’s leadership, the NSW Waratahs have navigated through three challenging seasons, with resilience and determination being key aspects of his coaching.”

RA and Waratahs officials have already begun the process of finding a replacement for Coleman.

Peter Horne, RA’s new director of high performance, will have a major say in the appointment.

Cheika, the former Waratahs and Wallabies coach who led Argentina to the semi-finals at last year’s Rugby World Cup, is available if called upon. He coached the Waratahs to their one and only Super Rugby title in 2014.

Junior Wallabies coach Nathan Grey, who served as an assistant under Cheika, is in a favourable position if he wanted the role and is already on RA’s payroll.

Former Wallaby Stephen Hoiles, who coached Randwick to a Shute Shield title last year, could also come into consideration. He is stepping away from his role with Randwick after this season.

Waratahs assistant Jason Gilmore has been linked with a move to the UK but said last week he was considering all options.

Despite some encouraging performances, a run of close defeats early in the season took the wind out of the Waratahs’ season.

Coleman was given formal feedback a fortnight ago but clearly the Waratahs board felt significant changes had not been made.

The Waratahs are also coming to terms with the loss of a number of stars for next season, including Mark Nawaqanitawase, Izaia Perese, Ned Hanigan, Lachie Swinton and Will Harrison.

Skipper Jake Gordon asked for an early release but that was denied by Rugby Australia, while another senior figure at the franchise is also agitating to be given an early exit from his contract.

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