Samoa confirm coaching staff for World Cup, including Richard Agar

Richard Agar has been confirmed as part of Samoa’s coaching staff ahead of the Rugby League World Cup in England.  

Penrith Panthers assistant coach Andrew Webster and former Samoa captain Frank Pritchard will also join Matt Parish’s staff for 2022.

Samoa face Cook Islands in the Pacific Test double-header later in June ahead of the World Cup opener against England on October 15.

Richard Agar joins Samoa oaching staff

Agar resigned from his head coaching role at Leeds in March, but has remained at the club ever since. He had previously denied links to Samoa earlier this season.

However, Samoa have confirmed his addition to their coaching staff for their mid-season international Test and the delayed 2021 World Cup.

Andrew and Matthew Johns had been linked with coaching roles at Samoa. However, they appear to have been knocked back – despite offering to coach for free. Parish will remain in charge ahead of the tournament, with Geoff Toovey also as assistant.

Pritchard played eight Tests for Samoa and 256 NRL matches for Penrith, Canterbury and Parramatta. He has also joined the coaching staff.

“One of the critical parts of preparing teams, particularly representative teams, is providing the best environment for them to be successful,” head coach Parish said.

“Toa Samoa has an incredibly strong and talented playing squad.

“The high-performance environment and culture we create for the players will, at a minimum, replicate what the players are used to at club level. We will work with the NRL, the clubs and RLWC2021 to ensure our players have all they need to prepare themselves.

“Our focus is ensuring we look after the players both from a physical performance perspective, and a cultural and wellbeing perspective. Our staff are all focussed on this and will work together with the players to build a successful campaign both on and off the field.”

World Cup campaign

England host Samoa at Newcastle’s St James’ Park on October 15 to kick-start the tournament. They also face Greece and France in Doncaster and Warrington respectively.

Parish’s side face Cook Islands at Campbelltown on June 25 as part of the Pacific Test double-header. Papua New Guinea also face Fiji.

RLWC2021: Pacific nations confirm mid-season tests ahead of World Cup

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