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About John Connolly
About John Connolly
A stalwart of the Brothers club in Brisbane, John Connolly was the Wallabies coach from 2005 until after the 2007 World Cup. He first coached Queensland in 1989 and remained in the top job for more than 10 years leading the Reds to championship victories in the Super Six (1992) and Super 10 (1994 and 1995). Under his stewardship Queensland also claimed the minor premiership in the Super 12 competition in both 1996 and 1999.
Wallabies in need of tough love
Robbie Deans and the Australian selectors will have to make some tough decisions before the Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup decider.
Time to stay positive
I bumped into Peter Cosgrove, the former chief of the Australian Defence Force, after South Africa's Francois Steyn had sunk the Wallabies with that magic field goal from the touchline last year. Even though we lost, he said to me: "This team has belief - it has turned the corner."
League's grey days as Sonny shines
Rugby league and rugby union used to be so different, they were black and white. Now there's a real shade of grey.
They did us proud
Outstanding. A classic Test. Robbie Deans and All Blacks coach Graham Henry have played down their individual battle all week, but coaching is personal.
Why the Wallabies will win back the Tri Nations
The first thing that struck me when I became Wallabies coach a couple of years ago was the lack of depth in Australian rugby.
Bigger challenges lie ahead
ROBBIE Deans will be delighted with last night's win and the confidence it will give the Wallabies. But he'll also be realistic enough to know it's nothing compared to the Tri Nations.
Let's get into bed with the Kiwis
I bumped into All Blacks legend John Hart at a recent New Zealand Warriors rugby league match and he floated an idea that could help the development of the game on both sides of the Tasman.
Pass, but we must improve
After a scratchy first half in which we would have been behind if not for some Matt Giteau magic, we finally saw what the Wallabies are capable of in the first 15 minutes of second half.
We need off-field judiciary
It's that time of year again.
Warning for Dan Carter wannabes
Just because it works for Dan Carter doesn't mean it will work for
Australian rugby.
Rusty start, but give him time
That was not a gale force wind that hit the east coast last night - it was a huge sigh of relief from our new national coach, Robbie Deans.
Crouch, touch, charge
One of the greatest challenges for any rugby coach is managing the depth of talent at his disposal. During my time with the Wallabies I liked to keep a 30-man squad to ensure there would always be someone to step into the breach should a player lose form or suffer injury. So I'm extremely pleased to see new coach Robbie Deans has the same policy.
NSW to dominate home front again in '09
With the international season about to start, the Super 14 coaches will be busy reviewing their teams' campaigns. I've followed the four Australian teams closely. This is how I viewed their seasons.
Why McKenzie saga won't end here
The Ewen McKenzie coaching saga has highlighted a real flaw in the contracting system in our game at provincial level.
Possible Gasnier switch no shock
I must admit I wasn't surprised when I heard that Mark Gasnier was
contemplating a switch to France.
Pink jerseys and high stakes for Ewen
If Ewen McKenzie gets the coaching job at Stade Francais, he'll join a rugby club as flamboyant off the field as it is on it.
Pound for pound we're struggling to match up
Nick Politis said recently that sport is all about passion, not profit. I believe the Sydney Roosters boss makes a valid point, but it's hardly music to the ears of potential investors in a Super 14 franchise.
Lote's a better back for us than a league grunt
Had the ARU lost the battle to re-sign Lote Tuqiri last year, I believe he would have become one of the most damaging back-rowers in rugby league.
Robbie's Wallabies will be hard to beat
With the exception of coach Robbie Deans, Australian rugby fans won't have too many new faces to familiarise themselves with when our international campaign kicks off.
Hickey right man for Tahs
The Waratahs have promised to cast a wide net in search of a replacement for Ewen McKenzie but the best man for the job may be sitting right in front of their noses, writes John Connolly.
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