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