Waugh has a say in selection
Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:24
Waratahs players will have a major input in determining their next coach, with captain Phil Waugh to be brought in when the lengthy list of candidates to replace Ewen McKenzie is reduced to the final two or three.
And Waratahs officials, aware for some time of the friction between the team and the New South Wales Rugby Union (NSWRU) administration, have guaranteed the new coach will get stronger support from head office, so he isn't distracted by off-field duties.
NSWRU chief executive Jim L'Estrange said there were "a lot of on-field and off-field complexities" that go with the head coach's position.
"It is a very full job, with a lot of responsibilities," L'Estrange told the rugbyheaven.com.au.
"We've got to give our coach a little bit more support to make sure they can do their job and not get distracted.
"The job will always be the team. Maybe we've got the balance wrong over time when we asked Ewen [McKenzie] to do too much," admitted L'Estrange.
L'Estrange has spoken to Waugh about being involved in the selection of next year's coach, and the Waratahs flank will be part of a panel that will come up with a recommendation in time for the next NSWRU board meeting on May 12.
The panel will also include former Wallabies Jeff Miller and Michael Hawker, NSWRU director Ed Zemancheff and L'Estrange.
The interview process, involving at least 12 candidates, has begun.
A current favourite has been former Randwick loose forward and now Leinster coach Michael Cheika, with several NSW directors pushing his cause.
A major hurdle is Cheika recently agreed to another two seasons at Leinster, but that has not stopped the Waratahs hierarchy from continuing to push his case.
However, it is believed Cheika may have concerns about the direction of NSW rugby.
Leinster chief executive Michael Dawson was adamant he would not release Cheika.
"We're aware of the reports, and we are very keen to hold on to him," Dawson said.
Cheika also was cool about a possible return to Sydney.
"I'm honoured and flattered that people think I'm good enough to take [the Waratahs coaching position], but the fact is that this [Leinster] is my team here and I am committed to them," he said.
Former Waratahs assistant coach Scott Johnson has considerable support.
Johnson also recently agreed on another position, taking over as the United States coach.
But a Waratahs source believes there may be a get-out clause with the US contract, which would improve Johnson's chances of returning to Sydney, where he was assistant coach to Bob Dwyer in 2001.
Eastwood coach Chris Hickey is another who has several officials, including an influential director, pushing his case.
Western Force assistant coach John Mulvihill has applied, even prompting a media release from the Force on Wednesday which stated they endorsed his bid for the 'Tahs job.
It is debatable whether this release helped Mulvihill, as some at the NSWRU have perceived it as meaning the Force may want to get rid of him.
Others under consideration include former Wallaby Brian Smith, Brian Melrose and John McKee, while Alan Gaffney was also recently approached.
L'Estrange said it was vital the players were involved in selecting their coach.
"Phil [Waugh] will be having a fairly important input in the process," L'Estrange said.
"I don't think he will be too involved in the first two weeks of all the interviewing, but he knows he will be involved when we get to the business end, when we get down to two or three [candidates]," he added.
