DANNY WILSON will take over from Dave Rennie as head coach of Glasgow Warriors on 1st June, a month sooner than originally intended, after an “agreement by all parties to allow both coaches to give their undivided attention to their new roles and be ready for when rugby returns”.
Wilson is moving to Scotstoun after two years as forwards coach of the Scotland national team, whilst New Zealander Rennie is heading back to the Southern Hemisphere to take over as head coach of Australia.
“The original plan was for Danny to come in after the Guinness Six Nations and shadow Dave and his coaching team for the rest of this campaign,” explained Warriors Managing Director Nathan Bombrys. “We appreciate Dave’s willingness to be open and supportive, as this would have given Danny an excellent head start on next season.
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“However, given that the 2019-20 season remains suspended for the foreseeable future, we felt that the best thing for the club would be to let Danny get started.
“With sport in Australia planning to return soon, making the change now will also allow Dave to begin his new role as head coach of the Australian national team.
“We are grateful to Dave for everything he has done for our club over the past three seasons, and particularly for how he has been supportive of the current situation, as well as his willingness to share his vast coaching knowledge with all of our coaches.
“When Dave and Stephanie are able to safely make the journey home, they will leave with the best wishes of everyone at Glasgow Warriors.
“Should we get the opportunity to conclude the 2019-20 season, we will do so under the guidance of Danny Wilson. Danny has already been hard at work planning the squad and preparing for the new season, under highly unusual circumstances, and we are all looking forward to working with him over the coming seasons.”
There has been considerable unease expressed by Glasgow Warriors fans about the lack of activity in the recruitment market in recent months, and it is likely that Wilson’s early arrival will allow the club to start unveiling some of the new names he has been working behind the scenes to bring on board.
“My sincere thanks goes to Dave for providing me with an extensive handover that has allowed for this early transition,” said Wilson.
“Dave, his staff and players have done a great job, leading the squad to the 2018-19 Guinness PRO14 final, and leaves a solid platform to develop this squad from for the future.
“We’re now looking forward to getting back to rugby and starting training as soon as is safe to do so.”
Rennie wished his successor well. “With no rugby to be played in the next few weeks, it makes sense for Danny to take charge now,” he said.
“The original plan was for Danny to immerse himself in the club after the Guinness Six Nations to assist with the transition but that obviously hasn’t been possible.
“I’ve been impressed with Danny. He has used the past couple of months well, spoken a lot to staff and players and is in a position to put his stamp on things. I know he’ll do a great job and he’s highly regarded by our Scottish internationals.”
Scottish Rugby CEO Mark Dodson said: “I’d like to thank Dave for the work and development he has put into Glasgow Warriors over the past three seasons.
“He has brought on a young, exciting group of players at Glasgow over that period, reached a Guinness PRO14 final and led his coaching group at the club superbly. I’d like to wish him and his family all the best for the future and his new role with Australia.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Danny bring his excellent coaching experience to the club and begin making his own mark on the squad as we look to resume rugby activity in the coming weeks and months.”
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