Stephen Larkham will not tour with the Wallabies on their Spring Tour of Europe, instead choosing to focus on the Brumbies 2015 campaign.
Despite speculation Larkham would tour as an Assistant Coach, his prior commitment to both the Brumbies and the ACT community will see him remain in Canberra during the Australian spring.
“While I was honoured to be considered, I felt like taking five weeks out of my first solo preparation for a Super Rugby season wouldn’t be fair on the Brumbies, the local community or my family,” Larkham said.
“I am passionate about the success of Australian rugby, but at this point in time I think I can best serve the Wallabies by remaining focused on the Brumbies, who I hope will make up the backbone of the squad leading into the World Cup.
“Our own program is about to kick off here in Canberra and it would be difficult for me to deliver the outcomes expected of me if I’m not on the ground from day one. Ultimately I know that it’s the right decision for the Brumbies, for the ACT community and for me as a Super Rugby Head Coach.”
During a distinguished, 102-cap playing career for the Wallabies, Larkham represented Australia on 102 occasions winning Bledisloe Cups, Tri-Nations and a World Cup along the way.
Since 2011 Larkham has mentored the Brumbies backs on a fulltime basis, moving into the Head Coaching role in 2013 alongside Laurie Fisher as Director of Rugby.
In that time, nine of his backs have gone on to represent the Wallabies, most recently Tevita Kuridrani and Matt Toomua who now find themselves mainstays of the national makeup.
(Brumbies Media Release)
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