THE Wallabies will soon be in need of a new scrummaging coach following yesterday's announcement that Michael Foley will join the NSW Waratahs as their forwards coach next year.

And the Waratahs will have to appease a growing group of disgruntled Sydney club officials, having given them assurances that Warringah coach John McKee was about to be appointed as NSW coach Chris Hickey's assistant.

The process involved in signing Foley ahead of McKee, shortly before the Wallabies assistant coach left for South Africa, is understood to have astounded many officials.

Foley will be with the Wallabies for the rest of the Tri Nations and the Spring tour, before joining NSW from January for the next three years.

Foley said yesterday that joining the Waratahs gave him greater opportunity to spend more time with his family.

"With four children, that's very important to me and my family," Foley said. "The travel demands over the past three seasons have been extensive."

Foley said he had enjoyed his three years with the Wallabies, "and there is still much to be done over the next few months."

Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O'Neill said that although he was disappointed Foley was leaving the Wallabies, "moving to the Waratahs ensures he stays within the coaching system in this country".

"Michael's contribution to the Wallabies over the past three years cannot be under-estimated," O'Neill said.

"I have admired his commitment and work ethic to the task of improving our set pieces."

Meanwhile, Hickey said getting Foley "full time now is a major coup for NSW Rugby".