Wallaby Coach John Connolly and Australian Rugby Union Managing Director and CEO Gary Flowers have today named former NSW Waratahs and Australia A Assistant Coach, Scott Johnson as part of a new-look coaching structure for the Wallabies.
Johnson's appointment as the Attack Coach, finalises the new structure under Head Coach John Connolly, linking up with the recently named Michael Foley as Re-starts Coach, as well as fellow Assistant Coach John Muggleton as Defence Coach, and Jason Weber as Performance Coach.
Johnson, who has been acting in a caretaker role during the Six Nations since the resignation of Wales Head Coach Mike Ruddock, says he's looking forward to returning home and switching his attentions onto Australian Rugby.
"Rugby throws up plenty of challenges, and while I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in Wales, my next challenge is in Australia," said Johnson.
"Knuckles and Gary Flowers have provided me with a great opportunity to return home and work with some of the world's best players."
"It's an understatement to say I'm looking forward to it, but I will leave Wales with some fond memories and also plenty of experience."
After four seasons as an Assistant Coach with Wales as well as taking over the head role more recently, Connolly says Johnson will offer both experience and skill.
"Scotty is one of rugby's true characters. He's a skillful coach and will be a good addition to the structure," said Connolly.
"He has been under enormous pressure over the last month or so during the Six Nations, but he's an outstanding coach and a he's looking forward to coming home."
"From an attack perspective he has a really good vision of how we should play the game and I know he's looking forward to working with some of the more experienced players in our back line, as well as the new talent coming through."
Johnson has been contracted for the next three years and will arrive in Australia next month. His announcement brings together one of the strongest coaching teams the Wallabies have seen since 1999 Rugby World Cup.
"John Muggleton will continue the good work that he has become renowned for in a defensive role, and certainly adds plenty of value to the coaching structure," said Connolly.
"With more than eight years experience touring with Wallabies, including two Rugby World Cups, he has a good understanding of how the game is played at Test level."
"It's great to be able to have Scott, Michael and John on board as well as Jason Weber with his wealth of technical experience. These blokes are all very experienced and technically sound coaches in their own right."
"Their coaching skills will provide us with a good balance, and they all have a strong vision for how we want to play the game. They will be a huge asset for the Wallabies and Australian Rugby."
Gary Flowers says the finalisation of the coaching structure is the fresh start the Wallabies were looking for to continue preparations for the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
"Under the guidance of National Coach John Connolly we've been able to put in place a strong coaching structure and one that will complement each other well," said Flowers.
"Not only has Australian Rugby secured coaches of such talent to prepare the Wallabies for the World Cup, but our developing players and representative teams will also benefit from such expertise throughout the season."
"The coaching structure is in place, the management team is finalised, and the preparations for this season and 2007 are well underway."
In addition to the new coaching structure Phil Thomson will remain as the Wallaby Team Manager, a role he has filled since the 2001 Spring Tour.