NSW coach cops the axe
Waratahs coach Darren Coleman was given credit for navigating “three challenging seasons” but won’t get a fourth after the battling Super Rugby outfit confirmed he wouldn’t be offered a new contract.
Coleman will see out the final two matches of the 2024 season against Moana Pasifika and the Queensland Reds at Allianz Stadium before walking away.
The Waratahs have lost 10 of 12 games this season and sit last on the Super Rugby Pacific table having battled a horror injury run which forced them to loan players from the Melbourne Rebels and scour local rugby ranks for replacements.
Coleman had taken the Waratahs to the finals in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons but the failures this season proved too much for him to keep his position.
Last weekend the Waratahs were humbled 27-7 by the Western Force, a team which has only won four games.
“During his tenure, Darren has brought a deep connection to rugby in NSW, especially the Shute Shield, a passion for the game, and dedication to the team,”
Waratahs CEO Paul Doorn said as the decision was confirmed.
“His leadership of the program has always been very authentic, and he has built genuine connections with staff, players, and Waratah fans.
“Under Darren’s leadership, the NSW Waratahs have navigated through three challenging seasons, with resilience and determination being key aspects of his coaching.
The NSW Waratahs today announce that the contract of Head Coach Darren Coleman will not be extended beyond the conclusion of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Waratahs would like to thank Coleman for his efforts over the past three seasons.https://t.co/OeGNfNEbBgpic.twitter.com/Kwqa0TrePR— NSW Waratahs (@NSWWaratahs) May 20, 2024
“His instilment of ‘Tah Tough’ to the team’s on-field performances has been commendable, fostering a culture of teamwork and hard grind.
“The decision not to extend Darren’s contract was made after careful consideration and evaluation of the high-performance function, the team’s performance, and the future objectives of our organisation.
“The NSW Waratahs expresses our gratitude to Darren for his hard work and dedication throughout his time with our club and extends its best wishes to Darren for his future endeavours.”
The Waratahs, now run by Rugby Australia after the governing body assumed control of the license, have already begun the process to identify and appoint a new coach with former mentor Michael Cheika rumoured to be a target.
