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Wallabies call in new coach just 12 hours after Lions series heartbreak
By Ian Cameron reporting from Melbourne
In a swift post-series pivot, the Wallabies have confirmed the appointment of Tom Donnelly to their coaching ranks just 12 hours after falling short against the British & Irish Lions.
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The Lions showed their composure to claw back from an 18-point deficit and deny the Wallabies at the MCG, with fullback Hugo Keenan scoring in the final minute to snatch a 29–26 victory. Having opened the series with a 27–19 win in Brisbane, the tourists will now be presented with the Tom Richards Cup in Sydney following the third and final Test.
Quick on the heels of the loss, the Wallabies have confirmed the appointment of a Donnelly as a new addition to their coaching ticket.
The former All Black lock will link up with the Australian setup ahead of the 2025 Flight Centre Rugby Championship, replacing assistant coach Geoff Parling, who will return to the UK following the conclusion of the Lions tour to take over the reins at Leicester Tigers.
Donnelly, 43, played 15 Tests for New Zealand between 2009 and 2010 and brings with him a hefty CV—nearly 100 Super Rugby appearances and three seasons in France’s Top 14 before transitioning into coaching.
He arrives in camp fresh from a season with the Western Force, having made the shift west after two years as an assistant at the Highlanders. Prior to that, he helmed Otago in the NPC and guided New Zealand’s U20s to an Oceania title in 2022.
“I’m honoured to have an opportunity to help contribute to the Wallabies and to work alongside Joe and the wider coaching staff and management,” said Donnelly.
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“Watching from afar, the journey the team is on and the improvement they are making is exciting. I’m looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and doing my part to continue the ongoing growth of the team.”
Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance, Peter Horne, backed the hire.
“Tom has spent the best part of the last 25 years involved in professional Rugby and his expertise around the lineout and set piece will be highly valuable for the Wallabies,” said Horne.
“He’s got a great understanding of the current Super Rugby Pacific landscape as well as experience playing at the highest level which makes him a great fit for the role.”
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