Friday 28 October 2016 08:09, UK
ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham will move permanently onto the Australia coaching staff when the 2017 Super Rugby season ends.
The former fly-half has combined his job at the Brumbies with the role of attack coach for the Wallabies since last February but has now signed a three-year contract with the Australia Rugby Union, having impressed under head coach Michael Cheika.
Larkham, 42, said he was looking forward to continuing to work with the young Wallabies backline, as well as the next crop of players coming through the ranks in Super Rugby.
"I have really enjoyed working with this current Wallaby group, as well as the national coaching group," he said in a statement.
"I hope we can continue to grow to be where we know we can be, and I'm looking forward to being part of that."
Larkham, won 102 caps for Australia and has led the Brumbies to the Super Rugby finals in each of his three seasons at the helm in Canberra.
"It will be very tough to leave but I will continue to be based in Canberra and involved with the Brumbies," he added.
Cheika said: "Stephen is on his way to becoming a world class coach and I know he is very passionate about his coaching and the Wallaby jersey.
"Having coached both last year (a Super Rugby team and the Wallabies) I know it's a difficult task and I'm pleased for Stephen that he has sorted out his future and I am pleased that he's going to continue with us beyond this year."
