Williams joins Australia coaching team

Munster forwards coach Jim Williams has joined the Australia coaching set-up under new head coach Robbie Deans.

Former international Williams will join up with the Wallabies at the end of the current European season after completing his duties with Munster.

Williams, who played 14 Tests in the backrow between 1999-2000, will work alongside existing forwards coach Michael Foley as Deans` assistants as part of a new streamlining of operations following Australia's World Cup quarter-final elimination in France.

John Muggleton (defence) and former Wales coach Scott Johnson (attack), who were assistants under former incumbent John Connolly, have lost their jobs as part of the restructuring.

"This is an exciting opportunity for me to return to Australia and also to work with one of the best coaches in the world," said Wlliams.

"It was a chance too good to miss. Australian rugby is hopefully ready to ride a new wave and to be part of that will be a great thrill.

"I am looking forward to the challenge enormously."

Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O'Neill insisted the changes were inevitable.

"There is no acrimony in this," said O`Neill. "It's the start of a new era. You get a new head coach, you're bound to have changes.

"It was all about a new coach, a new era, a fresh new start.

"It certainly wasn't an easy decision but we are starting again and what's done is done.

"Today is about the future. Yes, it's disappointing for a few people but we need to move on."

New Zealander Deans decided on his backroom staff at a meeting held at O'Neill's Sydney home last week.

The only stipulation the ARU put on the Kiwi was that his assistants had to be Australians so as to foster home-grown coaching talent.

"It's good to get clarity, good for all parties involved in the process," Deans said.

"It's great we're now in a position to confirm and announce a coaching team that I believe has the capacity to take the national side forward this season.

"There will be some disappointment among those who were on the coaching staff last year and I can understand that.

"But the roles I want to take on personally are behind the direction in which we are moving and explain the decisions we have taken."