Williams to leave Wallabies

Sydney - The Australian Rugby Union on Friday announced assistant coach Jim Williams was leaving after the completion of his contract with the Wallabies.

Williams had been an assistant to head coach Robbie Deans since 2008 and was the forwards coach for Australia's squad which won a hard-fought bronze medal against Wales at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in October.

Peter Harding, the strength and conditioning coach over the same period, was also leaving the ARU because his contract had ended, general manager of high performance David Nucifora said.

"Both Jim and Peter have been heavily involved with the Wallabies since joining ARU in 2008 and have been a part of many great highlights," Nucifora said.

"We thank them for the commitment and enthusiasm that they have shown and wish them all the best in their future endeavours."