Australian Rugby
Nucifora returns to coaching duties
Scrum.com
January 15, 2009
Auckland Blues coach David Nucifora announces the 2008 Super 14 squad at a press conference held at the Sky City Grand Hotel, Auckland, New Zealand, October 31, 2007
Nucifora steered the Brumbies to the Super 12 crown in 2004 © Getty Images
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Australian Rugby Union high performance manager David Nucifora is set to return to the coaching ranks at this year's IRB Junior World Championship.

Nucifora, who coached the Brumbies to the Super 12 crown in 2004, will take charge of Australia's 20s side for this year's tournament that will be staged in Japan from June 5-21.

The former Wallabies hooker, who also had a spell as coach of the Auckland-based Blues, will combine his current role with his new coaching duties that see him take over from Brian Melrose.

"There is some sound thinking behind taking this approach with the under-20s," Nucifora said in a statement. "One of the main reasons is that it will help deliver continuity through all our development programs. By having this sense of continuity in the program, we'll always be tracking where players are at in the development pathway, what's working with them on and off the field.

"That can be extremely useful in ensuring the holistic development of an individual."

Australia have been drawn in Pool D alongside Wales, Canada and Tonga for the tournament. New Zealand are the reigning IRB Junior World Champions following their victory over England in the final of the new-look tournament in Wales last year.

© Scrum.com

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