Wallabies Legend Scott Fardy Joins Hunter Wildfires Coaching Staff
In a significant coaching coup for the Hunter region, former Wallabies and ACT Brumbies back-rower Scott Fardy has joined the Hunter Wildfires coaching staff for the 2026 Shute Shield season. The 39-Test Wallabies hardman, who captained Leinster to a European Champions Cup victory before moving into coaching with Connacht in Ireland, will primarily focus on developing the team's attacking strategies.
Transforming Wildfires' Attack and Mentoring Young Talent
Wildfires director of rugby Darren Coleman described Fardy as 'the kind of operator who changes standards overnight' and expressed excitement about the former international's diverse coaching background. While Fardy has previously worked as a lineout and forwards coach, and most recently managed defence at Connacht, he will concentrate on attack with the Wildfires to broaden his coaching experience.
The Wildfires finished fifth last season - their best result since returning to the Shute Shield in 2020 - but scored only 545 points, the fewest among all finals teams. Coleman identified the need for improvement in long-range and ad-lib tries, noting that while their structured attack was effective, they needed to find 'one or two more tries a game' to become genuine premiership contenders.
Club Restructures Coaching and Development Programs
In additional coaching changes, Duncan Chubb and Steve Barretto will take over scrum coaching duties after Andrew Blades stepped away to focus on his Hunter Valley accommodation business. Former captain Kirk Tufuga will assist with second grade, marking the first transition of a Wildfires player into a coaching role.
The club faces potential player movements with captain Donny Freeman playing in Ireland and centre Ueta Tufuga on a train-and-trial contract with Super Rugby's Moana Pasifika. Coleman emphasized the importance of developing local talent, particularly with new Shute Shield recruitment restrictions shifting from a points system to a cap system.
Thirty-two players are ageing out of colts next season, with 13 scheduled to participate in grade pre-season training. The Wildfires assemble for pre-season training on November 29, with Fardy's appointment representing what Coleman hopes will be 'that other 15 per cent we need in the program to take us from fifth to first.'
