Dan McKellar will step back into Super Rugby next year with the former Brumbies boss to take on the challenge of rebuilding the NSW Waratahs.
McKellar was on Friday confirmed as Darren Coleman's replacement on a three-year deal, just under a fortnight since he parted ways with English club Leicester. Coleman's contract wasn't renewed after the Waratahs won just two games in 2024 and finished last in Super Rugby Pacific.
Ironically, McKellar's position at Leicester has been filled by former Waratahs and Wallabies coach Michael Cheika. But that will be of little concern to the Queenslander, who will work under new Waratahs high performance director Simon Raiwalui.
"I'm extremely pleased to be joining the NSW Waratahs," McKellar said via a media release. "Rugby in NSW has a proud history of over 150 years and the Waratahs are the pinnacle of representation within the state.
"The club fell short of expectations in 2024 but there are building blocks in place to improve on.
"I'm motivated and passionate to deliver a vastly improved performance next season, comprising of consistent efforts that will make the loyal Waratahs fanbase proud."
McKellar's recruitment represents the second key appointment in as many weeks for the Waratahs, after Raiwalui opted to step away from his World Rugby role and join the overhaul at NSW.
Both Raiwalui and McKellar will officially begin their roles in September, but it is expected that in the meantime they will both be working hard to convince those Rebels players still without a club to head to Sydney.
They include Wallabies Taniela Tupou and Rob Leota, while winger Darby Lancaster is another player who is yet to sign on with a new club.
"We're delighted to have a Head Coach of Dan McKellar's calibre joining the Waratahs," Waratahs CEO Paul Doorn said. "Dan has an impressive coaching resume and achieved great success with the ACT Brumbies in the Super Rugby during his five-year tenure.
"Dan will work closely with high performance director Simon Raiwalui, and their partnership marks an exciting new frontier for the Waratahs.
"I am confident that the appointments of Dan and Simon will put the Waratahs on the path to delivering sustained success from 2025 and beyond."