Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham has knocked back the chance to be part of the new Wallabies coaching set-up for the upcoming end-of-year tour.
The former World Cup-winning Wallabies playmaker Larkham was tipped to be the attack coach and work as an assistant to Michael Cheika, whose appointment as head coach in place of Ewen McKenzie, is expected to be confirmed by Wednesday.
However, Larkham wants to concentrate on preparing for his first season as a solo head coach after Laurie Fisher's appointment as head coach of English club Gloucester.
"While I was honoured to be considered, I felt like taking five weeks out of my first solo preparation for a Super Rugby season wouldn't be fair on the Brumbies, the local community or my family," Larkham said in a statement issued by the Brumbies on Tuesday.
"I am passionate about the success of Australian rugby, but at this point in time I think I can best serve the Wallabies by remaining focused on the Brumbies, who I hope will make up the backbone of the squad leading into the World Cup."
The 102-Test Wallaby has not ruled out future involvement in the Wallabies program.
Larkham has mentored the Brumbies backs since 2011 and was appointed head coach for 2014, with Fisher serving alongside him as their director of rugby.
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