Ewen McKenzie Links with Wallabies

Former Wallaby prop and Brumbies forward coach Ewen McKenzie has been appointed Assistant Coach for the Wallabies for this year. McKenzie, a veteran of 51 Tests for Australia, takes over from Jeff Miller, handling a range of organisational responsibilities. McKenzie played his last Test match rugby in 1997, before joining the Brumbies’ coaching staff. He is Australia’s most capped prop. Managing Director of Australian Rugby John O’Neill says McKenzie’s playing and coaching experience, plus his business background will benefit the Wallabies enormously. “We have been very fortunate that in replacing Jeff Miller, we have someone of Ewen’s immense capability across a range of areas. It’s a tough job, but Ewen fits the bill,” Mr O’Neill said. McKenzie says he is thrilled by the appointment, in what will be a difficult year, straight after winning the World Cup. “I know from experience that it is difficult to back up. But we need to move forward, otherwise our competitors will move past us. We need to be ahead of change – initiating change. Off the field I am looking forward to some of the logistical challenges that an operation like the Wallabies poses.” Wallaby coach Rod Macqueen is pleased to be working with Ewen again after their successful partnership back in 1997 when the Brumbies went through to the final. “Ewen has the respect of the players which is very important. He is also used to managing large groups of people in a business environment, which is important to us. It’s a big year with the Wallabies chasing the Tri-Nations Cup for the first time, and of course defending the Bledisloe Cup.” Ewen McKenzie played his first Test match for Australia in 1990 and formed an enduring partnership with Phil Kearns and Tony Daly in the front row. He won his 50th Test cap against New Zealand in Christchurch in 1997. He became Brumbies forward coach in 1998, a role he has carried forward into 2000. Ewen, along with backs coach Tim Lane, will not be a selector, in order to avoid any suggestion of bias. Coach Rod Macqueen, General Manager of High Performance Jeff Miller, and former Wallaby captain, Andrew Slack are the selectors for 2000. For further information please contact Derek Nelson at the ARU: Tel: +61 2 9956 3444 Fax: +61 2 9955 3299 Website: www.rugby.com.au