McKellar in the frame for Waratahs job after sudden Tigers departure

Former Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has rocketed into contention for the Waratahs head coach vacancy after being moved on by English club Leicester, just one season into a three-year deal.

McKellar, the former Wallabies assistant coach once touted as Dave Rennie’s heir apparent, is back on the market after the Tigers released a statement on Sunday morning revealing the Australian had “mutually agreed” to depart as head coach with immediate effect.

Reports in the English media said former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is being lined up as a possible replacement.

McKellar’s sacking caught many in English club rugby by surprise. Leicester struggled for consistency in their first year under McKellar and finished eighth, but had a huge injury toll and were two just wins out of the finals, with nine victories from 18 games.

The decision means McKellar has suddenly emerged as a well-credentialed option for the Waratahs, who – along with owners Rugby Australia – are searching for a new coach following the departure of Darren Coleman last month.

An expression of interest period for the Waratahs job closed last week, but McKellar will still be considered for the role, according to sources close to the process who are unable to comment due to confidentiality.

Dan McKellar has been dumped by Leicester after just one season.Credit: Getty

Sources speaking on the condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to discuss the matter publicly told this masthead Australian rugby officials have maintained contact with McKellar at Leicester. The 47-year-old is also known to be keen to return home with his family.

There is a strong desire by RA powerbrokers to get McKellar back into the Australian coaching system.

After five seasons as forwards coach, McKellar served as head coach of the Brumbies between 2018 and 2022, and joined the Wallabies as forwards coach under Dave Rennie in 2021.

McKellar was seen as a natural successor for Rennie but after the Kiwi was sacked, McKellar turned down a role under Eddie Jones and signed with Leicester, who had lost Steve Borthwick to the England head coach position.

Dan McKellar, pictured with Taniela Tupou, has left the Leicester Tigers.Credit: Getty

McKellar’s results at the Tigers were mixed, with backs coach on leave for most of the season. Only 11 days ago McKellar announced former NSW back Peter Hewat would join his staff.

Former Wallaby Dan Palmer is also on the coaching staff, and centre Izzy Perese recently signed to join the club.

But after McKellar recently outlined his long-term vision for the club to the board, differences in philosophy reportedly emerged and the club elected to head in a new coaching direction.

McKellar’s experience in running a successful Super Rugby program, and still-relevant relationships with Wallabies stars like Taniela Tupou, would make him one of the strongest candidates for the Waratahs role. His former Wallabies coaching colleague Scott Wisemantel has recently emerged as the leading candidate.

The Waratahs are looking to appoint a head of performance this week before working through the short list of coaching candidates, and former Fiji coach Simon Raiwalui is a leading candidate, along with ex-Rebels general manager Nick Stiles.

There is also a possibility McKellar could return to the Wallabies coaching staff, and with Joe Schmidt only contracted until the end of July next year, succession planning could also be a factor in talks in coming weeks. McKellar and Stephen Larkham are seen as the leading homegrown contenders.

Meanwhile, Tom Lynagh has celebrated his Wallabies squad selection by re-signing with Queensland and Rugby Australia for another year.

The 21-year-old, who is the son of Wallabies great Michael Lynagh, moved from London to Australia when he was 18 to join the Reds. He is also eligible for Italy, via his mother, but unlike his brother Louis – who debuted for the Azzurri this year – Lynagh said he had always dreamed of being a Wallaby.

“Growing up in an Australian-Italian home, I watched every game played by the Wallabies. I have always dreamt of playing for Australia,” Lynagh said in a statement.

“I’m extremely grateful to be picked in my first squad and be that bit closer.”

Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.