Coach Andy Friend during a Rugby sevens team training session at Moore Park, in Sydney [Source: AAP Image/Glenn Campbell]

Former Australia rugby sevens and ACT Brumbies head coach Andy Friend has a “burning desire” to help the Wallaroos find on-field success, as he lends his considerable experience to the Canberra club’s women’s program.

Friend will replace Scott Fava as head coach of the Super Rugby Women’s side in 2025, the Brumbies announced on Thursday.

His recruitment is a significant coup for the nascent competition at a pivotal time, following the collapse of the Melbourne Rebels.

After a successful five-year stint in Ireland with Connacht, the veteran coach returned to Australia in 2024, assisting the Wallaroos and Brumbies Women in a consulting capacity.

The Canberra local said he has been fascinated by the women’s game since returning home and was eager to add more of an on-field focus to the program.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time working with Jo Yapp at the Wallaroos and helping support the team,” Friend said.

“We’ve got a home World Cup in 2029 and one of my burning desires is to do everything I can to make sure Australia is in the best position to hopefully win it.

“I see this as a great way to support the region, the game and the women in a real positive way. The main goal is to continue playing a brand of footy that inspires Canberra’s young girls and boys to pick up a ball and play rugby.”

The 55-year-old helmed the Brumbies’ men from 2008 to 2011 but has spent the majority of his coaching career overseas, including spells at Harlequins in the UK and Suntory Sungoliath in Japan.

He returned to Australia in 2016 to take over the national men’s rugby sevens team before being removed from the post in 2018.

“As an organisation we are extremely excited with Andy’s appointment,” said Brumbies chief executive Phil Thomson.

“We are fortunate to have secured someone of his character and rugby experience.”