Rugby Australia announces review of Wallabies performance

Rugby Australia has announced the details of the external review to be conducted into the Wallabies’ underperforming 2023 season, including the Rugby World Cup.

Following in the wake of the team’s early exit at the Rugby World Cup, the review will be undertaken by a three-member panel incorporating former internationals Andrew Slack and Justin Harrison, as well as renowned industry expert Darlene Harrison, while a Pasifika adviser will also support the review process.

Eliminated from the World Cup in France at the conclusion of the pool stage, the first time they had failed to advance to the quarter finals at the tournament, the Wallabies won only two of nine Tests in 2023 under coach Eddie Jones, who resigned from the role in the past week after taking over from the sacked Dave Rennie last January.

Announcing the review, Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Phil Waugh said in a statement “as rugby fans, we were all disappointed in the results at the World Cup - the performance was not good enough for a proud rugby nation like ours.

"We had a new coach, new staff and a lot of new players - many of whom have only just started their careers, and who will be the future stars of Australian rugby.

"The Wallabies have a proud history as one of Australia's most loved sporting teams, and it is our responsibility as custodians to continually seek to improve performance and deliver a world-class program.

"Andrew, Justin and Darlene are highly respected, and I believe they possess the credentials to be able to deliver a thorough and considered external review."

The review panel is expected to deliver its findings on the "strategy and structure" of the Wallabies' performance before the end of the year.

Slack played 39 Tests for the Wallabies, who he led to their famous 1984 Grand Slam triumph and 1986 Bledisloe Cup series victory.

In retirement, he served as a Wallabies selector and coached the Queensland Reds in 2003.

Justin Harrison appeared in 34 Tests for the Wallabies and is Rugby Union Players Association chief executive, as well as a commentator with Stan Sport.

Darlene Harrison has worked as UK Sport's Head of Coaching, in addition to holding roles with the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Institute of Sport.

She is currently a high-performance and coaching consultant, working across high performance sport, government and education sectors.

Image: A scrum as the Wallabies take on Georgia on 9th September at Stade de France, Paris during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Credit: Shutterstock.