Stephen Larkham
Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham turned down the opportunity to help coach the Wallabies on their End Of Year Tour.
The Rugby World Cup winning Wallabies playmaker Larkham has tipped to be the attack coach working as an assistant to Michael Cheika.
Waratahs coach Michael Cheika was confirmed as replacement Wallabies coach on Wednesday.
Larkham said that he was honoured to be considered but would prefer to concentrate on preparing for the Brumbies upcoming Super Rugby season.
rugbyweek
“While I was honoured to be considered, I felt like taking five weeks out of my first solo preparation for a Super Rugby season wouldn’t be fair on the Brumbies, the local community or my family,” Larkham said in a statement from the Brumbies.
“I am passionate about the success of Australian rugby, but at this point in time I think I can best serve the Wallabies by remaining focused on the Brumbies, who I hope will make up the backbone of the squad leading into the World Cup.
“Our own program is about to kick off here in Canberra and it would be difficult for me to deliver the outcomes expected of me if I’m not on the ground from day one.”
“Ultimately I know it’s the right decision for the Brumbies, for our local community and for me as a Super Rugby Head Coach.”
Larkham was head coach of the Brumbies this year but he was guided by Director of Rugby Laurie Fisher.
Since 2011 Larkham has mentored the Brumbies backs on a fulltime basis, moving into the Head Coaching role in 2013 alongside Laurie Fisher as Director of Rugby who has now moved to England to coach Gloucester.
Larkham played 102 Test matches for the Wallabies and has not ruled out a future role with the Australian national team.