Eales to return as a selector

[Burgs]

Eales to return as a selector

By Peter Jenkins
February 3, 2006

WALLABIES legend John Eales could return to the game as a Test selector under a new-look regime to be headed up by his former state coach John Connolly.

The Daily Telegraph was told last night Eales could be sounded out for the role with a three-man panel likely to be appointed. Connolly and one of his new assistant coaches will fill two positions. An independent selector not involved directly with the team will round out the committee.

Former Wallabies centre Tim Horan was the third selector under previous coach Eddie Jones but there are key figures on the Australian Rugby Union concerned about possible conflict with his newspaper column and television commentary duties.

It is also understood the ARU, after consultation with Connolly, is keen to have a former leading player on tour with the Wallabies as an away-from-home mentor.

Respected ex-All Blacks skipper Brian Lochore is a mentor and selector for New Zealand. But with the ARU recognising time demands are a potential problem, the mentoring role with the Australian team could be shared between past greats.

While the announcement of assistant coaches has been delayed, the positions have been filled. Scott Johnson will run the backline as the attack coach, Michael Foley will be scrum, lineout and restarts coach, and John Muggleton stays on as defence coach.

Muggleton and team manager Phil Thomson are the high-profile survivors from the staff under Eddie Jones' control.

[.X.]

I think the idea of a mentor is a fantastic idea and would go along way to help the younger players on tour.