England’s Parling completes Wallabies coaching team

Geoff Parling became the final member of Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt’s backroom team Thursday, the former England lock joining ahead of two Tests against Wales in July.

The 40-year-old is currently forwards coach with the Melbourne Rebels.

He is the last member of a slimmed-down coaching team that also includes former All Blacks assistant Mike Cron, veteran Laurie Fisher and Irish analyst Eoin Toolan.

“It’s an honour to coach the Wallabies and to work alongside Joe and the coaching group he has put together,” said Parling.

“The events on the horizon for the Wallabies and Australian rugby represent an incredible opportunity for everyone involved in the game.”

Australia host the British & Irish Lions next year and the World Cup in 2027.

It will be Parling’s second stint in the national set-up, having previously been a Wallabies assistant under Dave Rennie for the 2020 Test season.

“Geoff has spent more than 20 years playing and coaching in the professional game,” said Schmidt, who was appointed after Eddie Jones acrimoniously quit this year following a disastrous World Cup.

“His understanding of the lineout, along with his Super Rugby knowledge and previous experience with the Wallabies will add value to our coaching group.”

Parling played 29 Tests for England between 2012 and 2015 and appeared for the British & Irish Lions in 2013.

He moved to Australia in 2018, joining the Rebels as a player before transitioning into the coaching staff a year later.

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AFP

(NAMPA / AFP)