News

Mooney to coach Australia A

May 23 2008

The Australian Rugby Union has confirmed the appointment of Phil Mooney as Australia A coach for the approaching IRB Pacific Nations Cup.

The Queensland coach has been elevated to the position after his debut season in the Super 14 series with the Reds.

"It's a great honour and responsibility," said Mooney.

"It's also an opportunity to work with more of the country's top players.

"I have enjoyed enormously my first Super Rugby season with the Reds.

"I'm now looking forward to expanding on that experience in another high-quality competition with Australia A.

"This promises to be a new start for Australian Rugby under Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans and I'm excited to be a part of the way forward with the Australia A program this season."

Replacing Laurie Fisher after his two-year stint as Australia A coach, 42-year-old Mooney comes into the job with established credentials.

He spent five years as Queensland Academy of Sport's U19 coach, had a period in charge of the Reds Academy, and guided the Australian U19 team to a World Championship title in 2006.

As a player, Phil represented Queensland Schoolboys and the State U21 side before moving into the senior ranks with the Wests club in Brisbane.

He later coached Wests before joining the QRU where he was backs coach with the Reds in 2004.

Australia A Program:

June 8 v Japan in Fukuoka, Japan

June 14 v Samoa in Apia, Samoa

June 22 v Tonga at North Sydney Oval, Sydney

June 29 v Fiji at Ballymore, Brisbane

July 6 v NZ Maori at Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney