Joe Barakat

Joe Barakat

Joe Barakat signing autographs after Toshiba Brave Lupus defeated the Canon Eagles at Machida Athletic Stadium
Full name	Joseph Barakat
Date of birth	(1963-02-23) 23 February 1963 (age 54)
Place of birth	Sydney
School	Marist Brothers College
University	Australian Catholic University
Occupation(s)	Rugby Union Coach
Rugby union career
Position(s) Forwards and Defence Coach Current team Western Force Teams coached Years Team 2017- 2015–16 2015 2012–15 2010–12 2006–10 2001–05 2004 1998-00 1997–99 1997–98 Western Force Ulster Rugby West Harbour RUFC Toshiba Brave Lupus NTT Shining Arcs NSW Waratahs West Harbour RUFC Australian School boys U21s Southern Districts Rugby Club NSW Schools 1st XV ISA Combined XV

Joe Barakat (born 23 February 1963) is an Australian rugby union Coach. He is currently the forwards coach for the Western Force in Perth, Western Australia after spending seven years abroad.

Barakat graduated from Marist Brothers College in 1980 and continued his study at Australian Catholic University. Here he graduated with a Diploma of Education (Physical Education Major), Graduate Diploma in Computer Education and Certificate of Religious Education. Barakat furthered his skill set with studies in Biomechanics, Human Movement and coaching (Level 3 Rugby Coach Certification).

In 2003, Barakat became the Technical Consultant to Fijian Rugby Union and Samoan Rugby Union in the Rugby World Cup, a feat that initiated his strong relationship with Fiji rugby. In his time at the NSW Waratahs, Barakat fostered the connection with Fiji Rugby Union from both sides. In 2008 he was appointed the Technical Director (forwards) for Fiji RFU (Pacific Nations Cup), tasked to improve the set pieces in the national and under 20's squads. Barakat was called upon to join Coach Sam Domoni as an Assistant and Specialist Coaching in the National team in 2010. Barakat also toured with Waratahs staff and players in 2008 to help identify potential future players.

Barakat has spent the previous five years in Japan coaching Top League Teams NTT Communications Shining Arcs and Toshiba Brave Lupus. Before his contractual commitment, Barakat travelled as a spot coach (set piece and defence) for Toshiba in 2009/2010.

At NTT Communications in the Japanese Top League, Barakat played an integral role in the teams success, mentoring Former All Black Isaac Ross and former NRL and Australian RL player Craig Wing along the way. Barakat took the previous second division team to be named the best defensive line-out, ranked top five in line-out attack in the first year of his contract.

At Toshiba Brave Lupus, Barakat is currently coaching and mentoring former All Blacks Richard Kahui, Steven Bates, David Hill and Maori All Black Tanerau Latimer. Barakat has been involved in the development of the current Japan National Captain Michael Leitch and current test cap record holder for Japan Hitoshi "Kin" Ono. Four of the forwards from Toshiba Brave Lupus are currently in the Japanese national squad.