Familiar face returns to Brumbies coaching set-up

09/12/2024 02:48 AM

NEWS: Brumbies announced the appointment of Andy Friend as the new Super Rugby Women's head coach, signing on for the 2025 season.

Already a proud Brumby, Friend was head coach of the franchise from 2008 to 2011 with his last stay spanning from the Super 14 era to the beginning of the Super Rugby competition. Friend returned to the Brumbies in 2024, assisting the Super Rugby Women's side in a consulting capacity, helping guide the side to a consecutive semifinal appearance.

With extensive experience under his belt, the Canberra local has also had stints as head coach of the Australian sevens, and various overseas powerhouses including Harlequins in the UK, Suntory Sungoliath in Japan and more recently five years with Connacht in Ireland.

Friend said: "I've been so fascinated by the women's game since returning home.

"With the announcement of Scott Fava not returning to the role, it opened up an opportunity for me to see if I can add more of an on-field focus towards the program, so it's exciting to be back on the grass."

He added: "I see this as a great way to support the region, the game and the women in a real positive way. The main goal is to continue playing a brand of footy that inspires Canberra's young girls and boys to pick up a ball and play rugby."

Brumbies Chief Executive Phil Thomson said: "As an organisation we are extremely excited with Andy's appointment as head coach of our Super Rugby Women's team for 2025 and we are fortunate to have secured someone of his character and rugby experience to lead our Super Rugby Women's team."