Angus Macleod has big boots to fill.
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Following Waratahs’ undefeated season, Macleod has been announced as Will Mitchell’s successor as first grade coach.
Macleod has has plenty of success coaching Waratahs’ lower grade teams over the past eight years and was also the pre-season co-ordinator for five of the last six years.
He admitted there is lot to live up to, but is excited by the prospect of leading the club.
“It certainly will be a big challenge as obviously the club had a good year last year,” Macleod said.
“It is going to be hard to emulate that but it is more about keeping the standard there and ensuring all levels of rugby enjoy themselves, whether it be the juniors, the girls or the seniors.”
Former Western Force manager Mark Calverley and Daniel Francis have agreed to help Macleod with the role this season.
Richard Skellern has also taken up the position of director of rugby role at the club.
One of his roles has been to look after recruitment.
After winning all three men’s premierships last season, he doesn’t believe the club will have to many changes.
“Contrary to popular belief we are not losing too many players,” Skellern said.
However, he did confirm the Wagga club will be without five stars from the premiership team.
Bill Castle Medal winner Angus Le Lievre heads the list but the ‘Tahs will also be without Tom Dunstan, Matt Meggison, Bart Whiteley and Sam Hobbs.
Skellern believes the club has the club has the depth to cover a quintet of quality players departing.
Waratahs will also be buoyed by the return of Xavier Chigwidden.
Chigwidden is a three time premiership winner at the club and looks set to slot into the five-eighth role.
“He is a talented footballer who is coming back in town and it will be great to see him back in the club,” Skellern said.
Waratahs are also expecting Matt Shortis to return from a serious knee injury in the opening weeks of the season.