Dan McKellar Addresses Speculation Amidst Wallabies Coaching Role Buzz

Former Wallabies assistant and ex-Brumbies boss Dan McKellar has responded to the recent wave of speculation surrounding his potential appointment as the next coach of Australia. The rumors have surged following the resignation of Eddie Jones from the Wallabies’ head coaching position.

McKellar, who was part of the previous Wallabies coaching setup under Dave Rennie when Jones was appointed in January, recently took up the role of the Leicester Tigers head coach on a three-year deal starting from the 2023/24 season. The news of Jones’ departure came as a surprise to the rugby community, leaving many speculating about the next candidate for the coveted Wallabies coaching role.

Amidst the headlines linking him to the vacant coaching position, Dan McKellar has firmly dismissed the media speculation. He underlined his commitment to his new life in England and emphasized his primary focus on his role with the Leicester Tigers, where he is currently only three matches into his first Gallagher Premiership campaign.

Speaking with Adam Whitty on the Leicester Tigers Rugby Show podcast on BBC Radio Leicester, McKellar clarified, “One thing I can’t control is media speculation, and that’s what it is; it’s media speculation. Newspapers and websites put stories in place for people to read, and that’s completely out of my control. I have moved my family here, we’re very happy here. Girls are at school, loving life in the Midlands, and that is all I am focusing on.”

The recent announcement of Jones’ departure marks a significant change in the Australian rugby landscape, and several potential candidates have been mentioned as contenders for the Wallabies coaching role, including Stephen Larkham, Michael Cheika, and Andy Friend.

Leicester Tigers faced their own upheaval last season when their management ticket was reshuffled mid-season, with Steve Borthwick and Kevin Sinfield joining England. Although some fans might be concerned about another change in head coach, McKellar was emphatic, stating, “100 per cent I’m staying. As I said, there are things I can control, and certainly media speculation about who replaces Eddie Jones as Wallabies coach is not in my control. I’ll focus on beating Saracens at Saracens on Saturday.”

McKellar’s dedication to his current role with the Leicester Tigers suggests that the Wallabies coaching position remains an open question, with the Australian coach choosing to focus on his immediate responsibilities in the Gallagher Premiership. Rugby enthusiasts will undoubtedly be keeping a close watch on further developments in the world of coaching appointments.