Why ‘Tah Tough’ Has Shed Its Snickers from Super Rugby Rivals

Following the departure of Darren Coleman last year, Waratahs chief executive Paul Doorn praised the coach’s impact on rugby in New South Wales.

“Coleman’s introduction of the ‘Tah Tough’ philosophy has greatly influenced the team’s on-field performance, creating a culture centred on teamwork and resilience,” Doorn remarked.

However, the ‘Tah Tough’ slogan was often met with chuckles from Super Rugby rivals.

Coleman was a charismatic figure who resonated with supporters, but his tenure faltered during a disappointing wooden spoon finish last year.

A major factor behind his struggles was an alarming injury toll, which was embarrassingly tied to inadequate training facilities in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

Specifically, a crisis in the front row hindered efforts to embody the ‘Tah Tough’ ethos as NSW found themselves overpowered by opposing forward packs.

Nevertheless, the laughter has subsided this off-season with Dan McKellar taking the helm as the new head coach.

The ex-Queensland prop has established himself as a tough-minded, results-driven leader.

Having led the consistently formidable Brumbies in Canberra and contributed to the improvement of the Wallabies forwards during Dave Rennie’s tenure, McKellar is now bringing his expertise to Australia’s premier rugby state.

“Dan’s been exceptional. The expectations have definitely risen,” said Waratahs player Max Jorgensen while speaking to Wide World of Sports.

The pre-season has been intense, with grueling weekly contact sessions held at the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu studio in Botany.

“Dan conveys a profound passion for rugby and for the growth of Australian rugby,” NSW prop Angus Bell remarked on Stan Sport ahead of the February 14 season opener against the Highlanders at Allianz Stadium.

“He genuinely believes that a stronger Waratahs team will contribute significantly to the success of rugby in Australia. He just encourages us to embrace the physicality and challenges of the game.”

“We are genuinely looking forward to the season as Dan is a top-tier coach, and we are incredibly fortunate to have him with us.”

The timing of McKellar’s appointment is fortuitous.

After last season’s dismal performance, the only way is up, and NSW now boasts a solid foundation for revival.

Simon Raiwalui is set to take on the role of director of performance, while McKellar has enlisted high-calibre assistant coaches such as Mike Catt, Dan Palmer, and Lachlan McCaffrey.

Tom Carter, an established figure, has stepped in as head of athletic performance, and the Waratahs have also benefited from the unfortunate downfall of the Rebels.

Star players Taniela Tupou, Andrew Kellaway, Rob Leota, Isaac Kailea, and Darby Lancaster have all crossed from Melbourne, and the recruitment of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has added further excitement.

“The NSW Waratahs play a critical role in Australian rugby, and it’s no secret that they’ve faced challenges recently,” McKellar, who has signed a three-year contract, told Stan Sport.

“I’m truly eager to contribute and foster an environment that can lead to sustained success over the coming years.”

“I’m also enthusiastic about the talented roster we possess.

There’s never a lack of skill in NSW. We’ve made solid signings and built a commendable support staff, and any head coach will affirm that success can’t be achieved alone.

It takes a strong team of trusted individuals around you.

We’re eager to reshape the narrative around our team and generate positive stories for the game.

Post-Spring Tour, the discussion surrounding rugby has shifted positively.

With numerous home games in the early phases of the season, there’s a fantastic window for us to build momentum and reignite excitement among the NSW rugby community for the Waratahs.”