Jay Tregonning Appointed Head Coach of Wallaroos

Well respected Illawarra Rugby identity Jay Tregonning has reached the pinnacle of his Rugby Coaching career having been appointed Head Coach of the Wallaroos. The national Women’s side is heading to the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand next year.

After serving as Assistant Coach of the Wallaroos at the 2014 World Cup Jay has had extensive experience in several Assistant Coach roles at Club and representative level, recently as Head Coach of the Australian Barbarians School side and NSW Country Schools.

It will be a difficult preparation for the squad with Test Matches against Samoa and New Zealand cancelled recently due to the Covid crisis. A program for the girls is still being worked on with the full Australian Super W season scheduled for March / April next year leading into the World Cup commencing October 8th in New Zealand.

“I’m really excited to get things rolling. We are currently finalizing the Coaching Staff and I have been busy on the phone chatting with the girls in the squad. I spent a couple of hours on the phone with the Captain, Grace Hamilton recently and will be spending quite a bit of time on the phone over the next couple of days catching up with all the girls. It’s not going to be an ideal preparation for the World Cup but Rugby Australia is working hard to arrange a suitable program going forward.” said the Illawarra Grammar School Teacher & Sports coordinator.

Jay was a long term Illawarra Junior representative player before having a successful playing career in the Shute Shield with Southern Districts before returning to the Illawarra with Vikings in 2005. He captained the Illawarriors to their 2005 Caldwell Cup victory in Tamworth that year and was involved with Vikings during their IDRU Premierships in 2010 and 2011.

I’m sure all involved in Illawarra will join me in wishing Jay all the best going into season 2022.  

   Photograph - Jay Tregonning (behind Caldwell Cup) with his Team mates after winning the Caldwell Cup in 2005.