WORCESTER Warriors have added further experience to their backroom staff with the addition of former Australia attack coach Jim McKay as a coaching consultant.
McKay was part of Ewen McKenzie’s coaching team for Australia where he notably helped the Wallabies to the Rugby Championship final in 2014.
He also played a part in steering the Australians to four wins from five in their 2013 international tour where they beat Scotland, Italy, Ireland and Wales, before thrashing of France in a Test series the following year.
McKay said: “Having spoken with Dean Ryan, I am excited about working at Worcester Warriors. My drive is to improve people and teams to be the very best they can be. It will be a privilege to share my insight and experience, and ultimately my objective is to add value in a number of ways.”
McKay previously spent four years as senior assistant coach at Super Rugby side Queensland Reds, helping the club win the Super 15 title in 2011 – a season which also saw them break their try-scoring record, which had stood since 1996.
Before moving back to Australia, the 48-year-old was head coach of Cornish Pirates. He led the South West club to a third-place finish in National League One in 2006, which at the time was their highest position in English club rugby, as well the EDF Energy Trophy a year later.
McKay, who began his coaching career at Stourbridge almost two decades ago, also had a spell as assistant academy manager at Leicester Tigers from 2008 to 2009.
Warriors director of rugby Dean Ryan added: “Jim is an experienced coach who brings with him a wealth of knowledge and understanding of club and international rugby. He will be able to provide our younger coaches with a great level of support and his expertise will also be of great benefit to myself and Carl Hogg.”