NSW Waratahs Head Coach, Rob Penney has made the finishing touches on his coaching staff for the 2020 Vodafone Super Rugby season, appointing former Wallabies Matt Cockbain and Mark Bell to his team.
Cockbain will take up the role of Assistant Coach (Forwards), following three years as Head Coach of the Ricoh Black Rams in Japan’s Top League.
The 63-Test Wallaby has also enjoyed stints with the Fijian national team and Melbourne Rebels as an Assistant following his decorated playing career.
Cockbain notched more than 90 appearances for the QLD Reds in Super Rugby to complement a storied international career that featured a Rugby World Cup win (1999) and Final appearance (2003).
NSW Waratahs Head Coach, Rob Penney said that Cockbain was perfectly placed for a role at the NSW Waratahs.
“Matt brings a wealth of experience from both his playing days and coaching career,” Penney said.
“He’s established himself as a very knowledgeable, sought-after coach – sounding him out to be involved here was one of the first things I did after being appointed at the [NSW] Waratahs.
“I always wanted to ensure that the make-up of our staff would provide opportunity for local coaches within Australian rugby. I’m really looking forward to working alongside Matt as we enter an exciting period for the [NSW] Waratahs in 2020.”
Cockbain said it was an honour to be able to work with the NSW Waratahs.
“To be honest, I just can’t wait to get started,” Cockbain said.
“When Rob got in touch, he outlined the direction he wants to take the squad and the goals he has for the [NSW] Waratahs – we share a lot of the same philosophies and ideas about the game.
“It was an easy choice for me in the end, to work alongside Rob, Chris Whitaker and Steve Tandy is something I’m really looking forward to.
“The [NSW] Waratahs are a group full of promising, young players along with some experienced guys either in or on the fringe of the Wallabies squad.
“Rob’s appointment as well as changes throughout the playing squad make it a really exciting time to be getting involved.”
Bell, who has previously worked as a specialist Scrum Coach with Sydney University and Newington College will join the NSW Waratahs in the same role on a part-time basis.
The former NSW and Wallabies Hooker has held Assistant roles with the Australian U19s and the Reds and will also work alongside his son, Angus who is in the NSW Waratahs senior squad.
Penney said that Bell would have an important role to play in overseeing his side’s set piece.
“Mark’s focus is on scrummaging, but he brings a wealth of experience from right across the game – to have a coach of his calibre on board is really pleasing,” Penney added.
“He’ll have an important role to play, particularly in sharing his experience and ultimately, giving confidence to some of our younger forwards in what will be a key area for us.”
NSW Waratahs 2020 Super Rugby Coaching Staff:
Head Coach: Rob Penney
Assistant (Backs): Chris Whitaker
Assistant (Forwards): Matt Cockbain
Assistant (Defence): Steve Tandy
Scrum Coach: Mark Bell
