Brumbies coach decides his future

NEWS: The Brumbies announced that head coach Dan McKellar has committed to the franchise until the end of 2022.

The contract extension comes off the back of McKellar leading the side to the inaugural Super Rugby AU title last year.

The 2021 season will be the 44-year-old’s fourth in charge at the franchise with the side winning 24 of their past 33 matches, including 17 of their last 19 at GIO Stadium in Canberra.

McKellar first arrived in the capital in 2011, where he took the Tuggeranong Vikings to back-to-back John I Dent Championships, before joining the Brumbies as an assistant coach in 2013.

McKellar’s contract extension comes with assistant coaches Laurie Fisher and Rod Seib also committed to the Brumbies for next season.

“I couldn’t be happier to be extending my time here at the Brumbies, it’s a great club and Canberra is certainly home for me and my family.

“We achieved some success here last year but as a group we know we have plenty to improve on and our goal is to make the program here at the Brumbies the best in the world.

“We have excellent staff here across the board and to know I’ll be working alongside Laurie and Rod for the next two seasons is great for the program.

“I’d like to thank Phil Thomson and the board for their endorsement and support and can’t wait for the season to kick off next week.”

Brumbies CEO Phil Thomson added: “We’re delighted Dan will be staying with us here at the Brumbies until at least the end of next year.

“He’s fast becoming one of the brightest young professional coaches in the game and it’s been pleasing to see how he has built the program since taking over in 2018.

“To have Laurie and Rod alongside him for the next two seasons is great for the continuity of the team and we’re looking forward to seeing them take to the field next Friday night.”