Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham has ruled himself out of a move to the All Blacks.
The former Wallabies playmaker had been linked with an assistant coaching role in New Zealand, with speculation ramped up after his side’s strong start to the Super Rugby season.
The Brumbies havescored 106 points in their first two matches, including a 50-24 thumping of reigning champions the Crusaders, the first win for the Australian team in Christchurch in 26 years.
Larkham’s contract with the Brumbies expires at the end of the season, but he now says he isn’t considering a move away from Canberra.
“This is something I’m very passionate about. And there are ongoing discussions [with the Brumbies].”
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has committed to staying in Canberra. Photo / Photosport
Larkham said he was focused on the Brumbies’ match against the Blues this weekend, a team they have beaten only twice in their past seven match-ups.
The Brumbies have named an unchanged line-up, while Sam Darry makes a return for the Blues after he was forced to sit out week 2 because of a head knock in week 1 against the Chiefs.
Scott Robertson’s shock departure from the All Blacks has led to speculation about who will take the reins as head coach, with Dave Rennie and Jamie Joseph appearing to be the frontrunners.
A decision on the appointment is expected early next month as members of the New Zealand Rugby appointment panel assess the contenders’ coaching environments.
Whoever takes on the role now looks highly unlikely to lure Larkham away from the Brumbies after his latest comments.
Robertson, meanwhile, has secured his first coaching job since leaving the All Blacks, being announced as coach for the Barbarians as they take on South Africa and Wales in June.
