Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones has finalised his backroom staff for the Rugby Championship and the Rugby World Cup in France by adding Brad Davis, Pierre-Henry Broncan, Dan Palmer and Berrick Barnes to his coaching group as assistants.
Davis comes with plenty of experience and will assist Jones in coaching the attack. He previously held roles with Welsh region the Ospreys and with Premiership outfits Bath and Wasps.
On London Irish’s books
The former Australian rugby league player, who played more than 200 matches in the English Super League during the 1990s and 2000s, is currently coaching at London Irish.
Former Wallabies prop Palmer is currently part of the Brumbies’ coaching staff and will work as a lineout coach with Australia.
Palmer will work closely with Neal Hatley who was confirmed as Wallabies forwards coordinator in March. Hatley is set to join the Wallabies following the conclusion of the Premiership season where he is currently working with Bath.
Frenchman Broncan joins the Wallabies as a maul consultant. The 48-year-old is a former Castres head coach and guided the side to last year’s Top 14 final, which they lost to Montpellier, and has previously coached at Toulouse. Broncan also worked at Bath in England for two years as a scout and analyst.
“The maul is an important part of the Wallabies’ attack,” Rugby Australia said via a statement.
Meanwhile, ex-Wallabies fly-half Barnes will join Jones’ backroom staff on a part-time basis as a kicking consultant.
The former Reds and Waratahs playmaker made his international debut at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France and was also part of Australia’s squad at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand, going on to represent Australia in 51 Tests.
Jones has also finalised his strength and conditioning team with the former head of England’s strength and conditioning programme Jon Clarke brought in alongside ex-Scarlets and Canberra Raiders coach Nigel Ashley-Jones, who will serve as an assistant to Clarke.
John Pryor also returns to the Wallabies set-up as a speed consultant, while Warrick Harrington remains in his role as sport scientist.
Jones said: “We believe we have a quality coaching staff to plan and prepare the team for a Smash and Grab campaign, winning the Bledisloe Cup and finishing winning the Rugby World Cup.
“It is experienced, diverse and adaptable. Ready to Smash and Grab.”
2023 Wallabies coaching staff
Head coach: Eddie Jones, attack coach: Brad Davis, defence coach: Brett Hodgson, forwards coordinator: Neal Hatley, lineout coach: Dan Palmer, maul consultant: Pierre-Henry Broncan, kicking consultant: Berrick Barnes, earning coordinator: David Rath, strength and conditioning coordinator: Jon Clarke, strength and conditioning coach: Nigel Ashley-Jones, speed consultant: John Pryor, sport scientist: Warrick Harrington.