Dan McKellar leaves NSW Waratahs immediately despite one year remaining on contract

Dan McKellar has left the NSW Waratahs with immediate effect, the Super Rugby Pacific franchise confirmed, ending a two-year tenure that saw the Sydney club finish eighth in consecutive seasons.

McKellar had one year remaining on the contract he signed at the end of 2024, but cited personal reasons for choosing to walk away early. The 49-year-old joined the Waratahs after coaching stints at Leicester Tigers and as an assistant with the Wallabies, and oversaw eleven wins across his two campaigns in charge.

“I have decided to step away from my role as Head Coach of the NSW Waratahs for personal reasons,” McKellar said in a statement. “I step away knowing I have given my all to help turn the Waratahs’ fortunes around over the last two seasons. As a coaching group, we have all worked incredibly hard to drive positive and necessary change.”

McKellar also paid tribute to his backroom staff, singling out assistants Dan Palmer, Locky McCaffrey, Mike Catt, and Tom Carter, as well as captain Matt Philip.

Waratahs Chairman Tony Crawford acknowledged McKellar’s commitment throughout his tenure. “Dan has made a massive impact on the club since joining, both on and off the field,” Crawford said. “His work ethic and commitment to deliver his coaching program were second to none and he always put the Waratahs first.”

Director of High Performance BJ Mather added that McKellar had delivered meaningful progress beyond the scoreboard. “Dan achieved some landmark results on the field and reignited support for the Waratahs in the NSW rugby community,” Mather said. “We wish him well in the next stage of his coaching career. He and his family will always be part of the Waratahs.”

The Waratahs have not yet announced a successor, leaving the franchise facing a coaching search ahead of the next Super Rugby Pacific season.