Ella to take over as Leinster coach

GARY ELLA, one of the three famous aboriginal brothers to have played for Australia, is expected to be named as Leinster coach today.

The 42-year-old, who has been assistant coach to Bob Dwyer at the New South Wales Waratahs for the past three seasons, has agreed terms with Leinster and is expected to sign a contract today.

The province are understandably reticent about confirming Ella in the post after the embarrassment caused last week when Jon Callard was announced as the successor to Matt Williams and then turned down the job.

However, the contractual details between Ella and the Leinster Lions have been agreed and the appointment will be announced as soon as the Australian signs his contract, as expected, this morning.

Ella, a brother to twins Mark and Glen, played six tests for Australia between 1982 and 1988 and has since played a lead role in the development of aboriginal rugby, as well as coaching with club sides Randwick and Manley.

He subsequently coached the Australian U19 squad for two seasons before being appointed assistant to former World Cup-winning Australian coach Bob Dwyer at the Waratahs in 2001.

Married with two children, Ella is expected to ink the Leinster contract in Brisbane this morning.

The time difference between Dublin and Australia has caused one or two minor difficulties, especially when added to the fact that the Chairman of the Leinster panel selected to find a successor to Matt Williams, Mick Begley, is also away on holidays. However, the final pieces of the jigsaw will fall in place today and Ella will be Leinster-bound shortly thereafter.

Ella’s credentials will be well known in Leinster as the former centre played and coached at Randwick under former Leinster assistant and current Munster coach Alan Gaffney.