Following a multi-stage appointment process conducted in accordance with the Australian Emus National Coach and Manager Appointment Policy, Touch Football Australia (TFA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Gyemore, Renee Murphy, and Dave Nolan as Australian Emus Opens Head Coaches for the next international campaign cycle.
The appointment process followed the ratification of the two policies as part of an updated high-performance pathway and leadership framework. It attracted applications across all three Opens divisions and included an open application process, candidate review, interviews, and assessment against the requirements of the respective roles.
The updated framework placed a strong focus on the role of Emus coaches in supporting the broader high-performance pathway, including talent identification, athlete development, and pathway support across national events, state programs, and youth and senior programs.
The process also generated broader conversations with experienced coaches across the sport, reinforcing the strength of the current coaching cohort and the opportunities to continue developing coaching talent within the national pathway.
Following consideration of coaching capability, leadership experience, demonstrated performance in high-performance environments, athlete and stakeholder credibility, and future program needs, the assessment panel recommended the following appointments to lead the respective Opens programs through to the 2028 Touch World Cup:
- Phil Gyemore – Men's Open Head Coach
- Renee Murphy – Women's Open Head Coach
- Dave Nolan – Mixed Open Head Coach
The appointments represent continuity across the Australian Opens program, with all three coaches having previously served as Opens Head Coaches, recognising their demonstrated performance, leadership capability, international experience, and proven ability to lead within the Australian high-performance environment.
A key theme emerging from the appointment process was the importance of continued collaboration and alignment across the Opens programs. Future success will be strengthened through a shared commitment to leadership alignment, continuous improvement, succession planning, and the development of future coaching talent, alongside a unified approach across the Emus program.
TFA congratulates Phil, Renee, and Dave on their appointments and thanks all applicants and coaches who participated in the process. The quality of candidates involved reflects the strength of coaching within our sport and provides confidence in both the current leadership group and the future of the Australian high-performance coaching pathway.
Coaching Biographies
Phil Gyemore – Emu #132
Current Australian Men's Open Head Coach and former Australian representative player, with extensive experience across the Emus Youth and Opens programs as both a coach and athlete since 2002.
Proven high-performance leader with a strong track record in representative coaching, talent development, and building disciplined and high-performing team environments aligned to the Emus Way.
Brings a deep connection to the Emus program – previously coaching the Boys' 20s in 2011 and 2015 – combining respect for its proud legacy with a commitment to maintaining the standards, professionalism, and performance required for continued success on the international stage.
Renee Murphy – Emu #60
Current Australian Women's Open Head Coach, leading successful 2025 and 2026 Trans-Tasman Series campaigns, including a clean sweep victory over New Zealand. Previously served as Women’s Open Assistant Coach and Head Coach of the Women’s 20s.
Highly respected coach and former Australian representative with more than thirty years of experience across international, national, state, and pathway programs, recognised for developing high-performance environments, athletes, and coaches.
A TFA Hall of Famer, Renee is passionate about athlete-centred leadership, sustainable program success, and fostering cultures built on accountability, trust, resilience, and the Emus values of Endure, Mateship, Uphold, and Serve.
Dave Nolan
Current Australian Mixed Open Head Coach, having led the program since 2020 following more than a decade of coaching experience across Australian Opens programs, including as Mixed Open Assistant Coach.
Highly experienced high-performance coach with forty-five years in Touch Football and seventeen years coaching at international level, involved in Emus programs across Youth and Opens since 2011. He is recognised for building strong cultures, developing athletes, and delivering sustained success on the world stage.
Also serving as a Coaching Mentor at Hills Hornets, Dave is respected for his collaborative leadership style, commitment to player wellbeing and development, and ability to create high-performance environments built on trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.
