Former Wallabies coach joins Noosa Dolphins

Coach Jim McKay with Justin Sykes from Ray White Noosa River and club president Jon Lewis

In a significant move for the Noosa rugby community, former Wallabies and QLD Reds coach Jim McKay is set to take the helm as the head coach for the Ray White Noosa Dolphins’ 2024 season.

Jim’s impressive coaching background and expertise are sure to bring a fresh wave of potential and success to the Dolphins.

McKay has recently completed a five-year tenure as the assistant coach for the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby, in addition to his previous four-year stint with the Reds between 2009 and 2013. In all, Jim has coached 144 Super Rugby games, winning titles in 2011 and 2021.

Notably, in 2013-2014, Jim achieved a significant career highlight when he was appointed as the Wallabies’ assistant coach, contributing to their three-game clean sweep against France and a seven-game winning streak. Following this, he took on the role of technical advisor and assistant coach for the Tongan World Cup team.

Apart from his elite representative coaching, Jim served as the head coach of the Brisbane City NRC team in 2020 (reaching the semi-finals), the Kobelco Steelers from 2016 to 2018, and held various head coaching positions in England for nearly 15 years.

Jim’s coaching philosophy extends beyond success on the field. He is passionate about shaping the character and potential of athletes and the brand reputation of the clubs he is involved with. He prioritises the holistic growth of players, coaches, and teams through a continuous improvement approach.

With an elite coach like Jim on board, the club finds itself in an exciting position, offering unlimited opportunities for the growth of their coaches and players while also serving as a magnet for attracting and retaining top talent.