By Ian Chadband

Wallabies’ coach Joe Schmidt has made the first key appointment in his support team, offering another chance to Laurie Fisher, one of the men ditched in the calamitous Eddie Jones era. 

The 65-year-old Fisher has been brought back on board as one of New Zealander Schmidt’s assistants, bringing with him two decades of professional coaching experience and an unmistakably distinctive white-bearded presence .

It will be Fisher’s second stint with the national side, having previously been an assistant to Dave Rennie but then sacked when Jones came on board for his disruptive and unsuccessful reign.

The Canberran, known in the sport as “Lord”, is a former Australia U21s head coach, having also spent time in different coaching capacities with the ACT Brumbies, Irish province Munster and English club Gloucester.

Fisher, who spent 18 years in total with the Brumbies, will join up with the Wallabies in April.

He’s known Schmidt for a long time, with the pair having coached against each other in provincial rugby when they were in Ireland a decade ago.

“It’s a genuine privilege to get another opportunity to work with the Wallabies,” said Fisher.

“I’m really excited to work alongside Joe and the team he puts together, which I know will be of the highest quality.

“There’s no doubt there’s a lot to do and I’m looking forward to doing my bit to contribute to the growth of the team and resurgence of Australian Rugby.”

Schmidt has also linked up with former Ireland and Melbourne Rebels analyst Eoin Toolan, who will join the Australia camp as head of analysis and skills coach.

“Laurie brings a wealth of experience to the role and is highly respected around the rugby world,” said Schmidt, 58.

“Having worked with Eoin in Ireland, I know he will bring a strong attention to detail and be a very positive addition to the staff and wider team.”