Why Fisher walked out on Brumbies
The reason for Laurie Fisher's decision to turn his back on the Brumbies has been confirmed – he will coach English Premiership club Gloucester.
Fisher revealed last week that he will finish his tenure as Director of Rugby with the Brumbies at season's end, to pursue opportunities in Europe.
And on Wednesday Gloucester revealed that their off-field rebuilding process ahead of the 2014-15 season is all but complete, with the news that Fisher has been appointed as the club's new head coach.
Fisher's arrival from the Brumbies is the latest in a line of new faces behind the scenes at Kingsholm, following the announcements of Director of Rugby David Humphreys, defence coach John Muggleton, along with backs and attacks coach Nick Walshe.
The 56-year-old Fisher has been Director of Rugby at the Brumbies since 2012.
Initially appointed as head coach of the Brumbies Academy, he became forwards coach under David Nucifora and then took over as head coach between 2005 and 2008.
Widely regarded as one of the professional game's foremost authorities on forwards play, Fisher has recently overseen the transformation of the Brumbies pack into one of the most impressive in Super Rugby.
With a reputation for developing young players and helping them to achieve their potential, Fisher will be a perfect fit for Gloucester's young squad.
CEO Stephen Vaughan confirmed that the search for Gloucester's new Head Coach had been an extensive one but that he's delighted to get his man.
"Understandably, there has been massive interest in the role over the past few weeks, and we have left no stone unturned as we have strived to find the right person," Vaughan said.
"However, once we spoke with Laurie and exchanged ideas and presented our vision of where we want to take the club, it was immediately apparent that this was a great fit. We're absolutely thrilled that he'll be joining us at Kingsholm as part of the new coaching set up.
"He deservedly enjoys a reputation as one of the shrewdest minds in world rugby, an individual who has continually sought to improve himself and his coaching methods. The references and feedback we have had regarding Laurie from high quality people that have worked with him have been very impressive indeed.
"That has been reflected in what he has achieved over the years with both the Brumbies and Munster. The number of young players he has coached to achieve great things within the game are too many to mention.
"It's been an incredibly hectic few weeks at the club, but we're delighted with the make up of the playing squad and coaching staff as we look ahead.
"A lot of hard work lies ahead before we kick off the new season and a number of new faces will need time to blend, but I believe we are putting the essential building blocks in place to fulfil our long term goal of sustained success for the club."
