He returned to Australia and the Waratahs working alongside Bob Dwyer. He was considered for the coaching position at the ACT Brumbies until Nucifora was appointed in 2002. When Dwyer stepped down from at the ‘tahs Friend was seen as a natural successor but Ewen McKenzie was appointed instead with Friend taking the Assistant Coach role. At the end oof 2004 Friend was told his services were no longer required with many reports attributing it to a spat between him and McKenzie.

With the Super 12 expanding to Super 14 there were rumours that Andy Friend would get the coaching role at Perth but John Mitchell was announced as having got the job and it seems that the ARU suggested that those on the shortlist go overseas to get some more experience. When Mitchell was announced Friend said he was not prepared to work with him as an assistant coach.

Friend has also worked with the Australian 7s coaching setup being an assistant coach and manager for the 2005 tournaments in Wellington and Los Angeles.

He is joining as Head Coach on a three year contract which will keep him at The Stoop until 2008. He told the Harlequins Official Website “I’m very excited about joining such a prestigious club as Quins and working alongside the personnel that they have within the coaching team. I’m also looking forward to the challenge of getting Quins back to where they belong in the Premiership.” 

Andy Friend is very well respected in coaching circles and Australia and the NSW Waratahs’ loss is certainly NEC Harlequins’ gain. 

Name: Andrew Friend
Previous positions: Australia 7s Assistant Coach, Australia U21 Assistant Coach, Waratahs Assistant/Backs Coach, Suntory Coach
Contract: Three years (until July 2008) 

Welcome to Quins Andy, we hope you have a long and successful time with us.

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