Poidevin joins ARU selection panel

Former Wallaby flanker Simon Poidevin has been appointed to the Australian Rugby Union selection panel that will search for a new Head Coach for the Wallabies for 2006 and beyond.

Simon Poidevin: Wallabies' new selector

Poidevin joins the ARU's General Manager of High Performance Dr Peter Davis and former Wallaby coach Rod Macqueen on the panel.

The role of the panel is to now determine the parameters of the Head Coach role and the appointment process. The panel will then advertise the position, nominate a shortlist and conduct the interviews with potential candidates, before making a recommendation to the ARU Board.

"Simon Poidevin is one of Australia's greatest ever Wallabies," ARU Managing Director and CEO Gary Flowers said.

"Having someone of Simon's experience on the selection panel is critical. His knowledge of the game and the requirements of the national team will complement the expertise of Peter Davis and Rod Macqueen."

Poidevin played 59 Tests for the Wallabies, the last of which was Australia's historic win over England in the 1991 Rugby World Cup Final.

He was the first Wallaby to play 50 Tests, played 22 Tests against New Zealand and captained the Wallabies in four Tests.

The selection panel has not been given a specific deadline but time is of the essence for the new coach's appointment with the 2007 Rugby World Cup looming larger than ever.