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[VIDEO] Ewen McKenzie resigns as Wallabies coach

18th October, 2014
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Rugby fans will likely never know the full story behind Ewen McKenzie's resignation. (AAP Image/ Dave Hunt)
18th October, 2014
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BREAKING: Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie has announced he has resigned.

ARU chief Bill Pulver said he received an email of resignation from McKenzie on at 10am Saturday morning informing him of his decision.

McKenzie has announced he will vacate the Wallabies coaching position he took over after the British and Irish Lions tour in 2013.

In a statement, Pulver said he had tried to talk McKenzie out of the decision, and insisted that Australian Rugby had lost a good man with his departure.

MORE:
» McKenzie’s resignation is a real shocker
» Who can coach the Wallabies?
» Pulver slams media after McKenzie exit

Pulver says he is disappointed with the Australian public on treatment of McKenzie and former staffer Di Patston, and said he didn’t want to read another article on either.

The decision comes after a the Wallabies heartbreaking 29-28 loss to the All Blacks in Brisbane, where they led for a majority of the match.

Pulver blamed a “Character assassination” on McKenzie from the media, after the fallout of the Kurtley Beale/Di Patston saga.

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“I think Australia has lost a great coach and a wonderful bloke and it’s very disappointing we have lost a man like him,” said Pulver, who attempted to talk him out of the stunning call.

“In essence, Ewen said he was going to struggle to retain the level of support he needs from the playing group and, in my view, because of the character assassination he’s suffered in the last two weeks.

“The attack on Ewen was relentless and essentially left him with the view it set him too far back to be an effective rugby coach.”

The ARU says they hope to appoint a new coach before the team heads off for the Spring Tour on Friday.

“We hope to have the new Head Coach in place before the team leaves for the Spring Tour on Friday.”

“Criteria for the role includes identifying a coach who can lead us to victory in next year’s Rugby World Cup; represents Rugby’s core values; has the support of the playing group; and is available.

“As part of this process, we will also identify structural improvements to the off-field element of the Wallabies, with a senior leadership role to be created to support the team.

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“We will work with the incoming coach on that structure, with a solution to be in place as soon as possible,” Pulver said.

McKenzie says he was unhappy with a “bunch of things” with the last couple of weeks, and hastily exited “stage left” and directed journalists to put questions to Bill Pulver.

The full announcement from the ARU is as follows

The Australian Rugby Union tonight announced that Ewen McKenzie has resigned as Wallabies Head Coach.

McKenzie announced his resignation after the Wallabies were gallant in defeat, going down 29-28 to New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday 18 October.

Australian Rugby Union CEO Bill Pulver paid tribute to McKenzie who has led Australia in 22 Tests since starting in the role in August 2013.

“I did not ask Ewen to resign, but understand his decision. He informed me this morning of his intention to resign, regardless of tonight’s result.”

“Ewen is a world-class coach and a world-class individual who has been committed to playing entertaining Rugby for our fans since he started in the role.

“During his tenure, he has overseen a seven match winning streak, drew against the All Blacks and beat South Africa – all achievements that had not been met in the previous year.

“We sincerely wish Ewen well for the future professionally and personally.”

Mr Pulver said the process to find a replacement has now begun.

“We hope to have the new Head Coach in place before the team leaves for the Spring Tour on Friday.”

“Criteria for the role includes identifying a coach who can lead us to victory in next year’s Rugby World Cup; represents Rugby’s core values; has the support of the playing group; and is available.

“As part of this process, we will also identify structural improvements to the off-field element of the Wallabies, with a senior leadership role to be created to support the team.

“We will work with the incoming coach on that structure, with a solution to be in place as soon as possible,” Pulver said.

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