Wallaroos confirm assistant coaches for 2024

Thu, Apr 4, 2024, 12:59 PM

Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has added experience to her coaching staff for 2024 with Chris Delooze and Sam Needs joining as assistants ahead of the side’s upcoming Pacific Four series in May.

Delooze joins the Wallaroos with over 25 years of playing and coaching experience, guiding and developing both male and female Rugby players across the world.

Delooze is the Head Coach of the Manly Marlins in the Shute Shield and previously held a Director of Rugby role with Sydney University in 2019.

Needs brings five years of knowledge in similar roles as well as an extensive playing career with the NSW Waratahs, Melbourne Rebels and Kamaishi Seawaves.

“Chris and Sam are excellent additions to the coaching team,” Yapp said.

“Having started working with them already I am excited by their passion, enthusiasm, and attention to detail.”

National Women's High-Performance Manager Jaime Fernandez said: “It is both positive and important that we have been able to finalise the Wallaroos' coaching team for the upcoming international season.

“The appointments bring a mix of coaching experience across the men’s and women’s game, domestically and internationally.

“With the Super Women’s Rugby season producing some great Rugby and reaching its midway point, having both Chris and Sam join Head Coach, Jo Yapp, sets up the next exciting phase for the Wallaroos.

“As a program, we have been incredibly busy in the first three months of the year, engaging with and visiting all Super Women’s Rugby programs, including meeting individually with all current Wallaroos managed players, their coaches and staff.

“With up to 10 Tests being played in 2024, including four of those in Australia, this is a critical year for the Wallaroos' program as we set our sights on the 2025 Rugby World Cup.”

The Wallaroos start their international campaign in the Pacific Four series against Canada on Saturday, May 11 at Allianz Stadium before taking on the USA at AAMI Park on May 17.

Yapp’s side will then clash with the Black Ferns in New Zealand on May 25 before a further seven Tests in 2024 – the highest number of matches played by the Wallaroos in a calendar year. Wallaroos 2024 schedule

Pacific Four Series

Saturday, May 11 – Australia v Canada (Allianz Stadium, Sydney)

Friday, May 17 – Australia v USA (AAMI Park, Melbourne)

Saturday, May 25 – Australia v Black Ferns (North Harbour Stadium, Auckland)

Women's Internationals

Saturday, July 6 – Australia v Fijiana (Allianz Stadium, Sydney)

Sunday, July 14 – Australia v Black Ferns (Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane)

September – Away Test schedule to be confirmed

October – Away Test schedule to be confirmed