Former Warrington Wolves star David Kidwell makes shock coaching switch

Former Warrington Wolves star David Kidwell has made a shock coaching switch.

From assistant coach at Parramatta Eels, the ex-New Zealand international will now be the defence coach of Argentina’s national rugby union side.

Kidwell, who played 32 games for Warrington between 2001 and 2002, has left his NRL job behind to join Australian heavyweight Michael Cheika in South America

“I really thank Parramatta for the opportunity to coach here, I’ve seen the team go from the wooden spoon in 2018 to genuine contenders in the last couple of years,” Kidwell told News Corp.

“I’ve been part of that and I wish them every success, I’ll be watching every game from afar.

“We know what kind of team we can be, beating Melbourne in Melbourne, Penrith at Penrith, just shows what kind of team it is and the systems that are in place, it’s just a matter of producing that week in, week out.

“I was very honest with Brad, I told him that was a big opportunity for myself, I’ve been thinking about it for three or four years, if I don’t take it now I don’t think it will ever come again.

“The World Cup being so close, it’s an opportunity I couldn’t refuse. Argentina have been great, they’ve been very clear on what they want and how they want it.

“Cheik was pretty clear, he thought I’m the guy he wants as a defensive coach but was clear that he needed me this year.

“It’s building the squad and our plans for the World Cup, so I need to be there.”