Former Wallabies captain joins Junior Wallabies coaching staff
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Former Wallabies Captain, Ben Mowen has been confirmed as the latest addition to the Junior Wallabies program for 2020.
A highly accomplished player with 98 Super Rugby appearances and 96 appearances in the French Top 14, Mowen will work under Head Coach, Jason Gilmore, throughout the squad’s 2020 campaign at both the Oceania and World Rugby U20s Championships.
Mowen is the only change to the coaching roster in 2020, replacing Ruaidhri Murphy who has transitioned to the Brumbies Super Rugby coaching staff.
A product of Villanova College in Brisbane, Mowen captained the Queensland U19s and later the Junior Wallabies (then Australian U21s) before making his Super Rugby debut for the Reds in 2006.
He then went on to enjoy successful stints with the Waratahs and Brumbies, captaining the Canberra-based side to a Super Rugby Final.
Mowen earned his Test debut in the opening Test of the 2013 British & Irish Lions Series, and later that year replaced James Horwill as Wallabies skipper. After finishing his playing career in France, the highly regarded breakaway has returned home to pursue a coaching career in the national set up.
Junior Wallabies Assistant Coach, Ben Mowen said: “This is a huge opportunity for me personally, but more importantly I’m looking forward to having a positive impact on the group.
“We have a world-class set up, and a training program which has been proven on the World stage and I’m honoured to be a part of it in 2020” said Mowen.
Junior Wallabies Head Coach, Jason Gilmore said: “Ben was a fantastic player, a proven leader and will bring invaluable experience to our 2020 campaign.
“He’s already commenced his involvement within the Academy programs, consulting at the National Gold Camp last month where his coaching was well received by the group.
“Ben will be looking after the forwards and as a former International player he will have plenty to pass on to this group of Junior Wallabies.”
