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Michael Cheika has finalized his coaching staff. As expected Felipe Contepomi joins the team from Leinster as the backs coach. Also joining is David Kidwell, a former New Zealand Rugby League player. In a new move for Argentina, Kidwell will be Argentina’s Defensive Coordinator.
As a player, Kidwell was known as a hardman. His ball-carrying skills and defense made him one of the touch players in the 13-man rugby code. He played professional rugby league for five teams in Australia’s NRL: Adelaide Rams (1997-1998), Parramatta Eels (1999-2000), Sydney Roosters (2002), Melbourne Storm (2003-2006), and South Sydney Rabbitohs (2007-2009). He also played in England for the Warrington Wolves.
He played at the international level for New Zealand and for Aotearoa Maori. This included playing in the Rugby League World Cup. In his post playing days, Kidwell has turned to coaching. Now he will take-on a new challenge with Los Pumas.
His Joins Cheika’s staff after twelve years of coaching professionally. He coached the South Sydney Rabbitohs u20’s in 2010 and then New Zealand u20’s until 2012. Kidwell also coached the Melbourne Storm and Wests Tigers.
In 2014 he became assistant coach of New Zealand. He impressed so much that he became head coach in 2016, taking the team to the Rugby League World Cup in 2017. More recently he has been an assistant coach at the Parramatta Eels, another NRL club.
