The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies are excited to announce the appointment of Andy Friend as the new Super Rugby Women’s head coach, signing on for the 2025 season.

Already a proud Brumby, Friend was head coach of the club from 2008 to 2011 with his last stay spanning from the Super 14 era to the beginning of the Super Rugby competition. Friend returned to the Brumbies in 2024, assisting the Super Rugby Women’s side in a consulting capacity, helping guide the side to a consecutive Semi-Final appearance.

With extensive experience under his belt, the Canberra local has also had stints as head coach of the Australian 7s, and various overseas powerhouses including Harlequins in the UK, Suntory Sungoliath in Japan and more recently five years with Connacht in Ireland.

Among his already impressive resume, Friend has also worked within the Wallabies team for the 2002 Tri Nations and the Rugby World Cup in the following year, before taking the Australian Under 21’s to the decider 2005 World Championships. The incoming Super Rugby Women’s head coach has also been assisting the Wallaroos this year, as the coaching veteran continues adding to his overwhelming expertise.

Eager to launch into his new role with the Brumbies Women, Friend said: “I’ve been so fascinated by the women’s game since returning home. With the announcement of Scott Fava not returning to the role, that opens up an opportunity for me to see if I can add more of an on-field focus towards the program, so it’s exciting to be back on the grass.”

“I’ve really enjoyed my time working with Jo Yapp at the Wallaroos and helping support the team, we’ve got a home World Cup in 2029 and one of my burning desires is to do everything I can to make sure Australia is in the best position to hopefully win it.”

Playing his own rugby in the Capital and making several appearances for the ACT Kookaburras, Friend said: “I see this as a great way to support the region, the game and the women in a real positive way. The main goal is to continue playing a brand of footy that inspires Canberra’s young girls and boys to pick up a ball and play rugby.”

ACT Brumbies Chief Executive Phil Thomson said: “As an organisation we are extremely excited with Andy’s appointment as Head Coach of our Super Rugby Women’s team for 2025 and we are fortunate to have secured someone of his character and rugby experience to lead our Super Rugby Women’s team.”

“With his desire for success and improvement I have no doubt that he will continue the evolution of our program and players both on and off the field. Andy has a strong connection to Canberra and the Brumbies and combined with his passion to make a difference to Women’s Rugby in Australia I’m eager to see his impact upon returning to the Brumbies.”