Former British and Irish Lion named as Wallaby forward's coach

The Wallabies confirm former British and Irish Lions lock Geoff Parling is Australia’s new Forwards Coach for the 2020 season.

After an illustrious playing career that included 29 Tests for England and a Lions Series win in 2013, Parling has since enjoyed a successful transition into coaching.

The 36-year old has turned the Melbourne Rebels lineout into a force to be reckoned with during his three years as part of Dave Wessels’ coaching staff.

Wallabies Forwards Coach Geoff Parling said: “I’ve really enjoyed helping develop the players we’ve had in Melbourne, so to now get the opportunity to join Dave’s coaching team for this Test season is a real honour.”

“There is some great talent here, but we won’t get anywhere without hard work. I have high expectations of the group and am looking forward to seeing them rip in,” Parling said.

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said: “We’re very lucky to get the services of someone of Geoff’s ability at such short notice, especially considering he already has an intimate knowledge of the players.

“He is a good man. He’s technically very strong around lineout and maul and he has impressed me with his work ethic to get up to speed over the last two weeks.

“There have been a lot of challenges so far in 2020 and we’ve had to be agile and adaptable, none more so than Geoff who has already made so many sacrifices while being on the road with Rebels this season but he still jumped at the opportunity to join our team,” Rennie said.

Parling will return to Melbourne following the Wallabies 2020 Test season, ahead of the Rebels 2021 Super Rugby season.