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Dave Rennie inks deal to become next Wallabies coach

19th November, 2019
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19th November, 2019
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Rugby union’s worst-kept secret has been confirmed, with Rugby Australia announcing Dave Rennie as the new Wallabies coach.

Rugby AU confirmed the long-rumoured appointment on Wednesday morning, with Rennie inking a four-year contract which will see him take charge of the Wallabies until the end of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

Long touted as the man most likely to take over from Michael Cheika following the recent World Cup, Rennie had also been linked to the vacant All Blacks position, although Ian Foster, Scott Robertson and Jamie Joseph (who has now signed an extension with Japan) were all considered to be ahead in the pecking order for that job.

He will become just the second Kiwi to coach the Wallabies in the professional era after Robbie Deans, who took charge of the Wallabies between 2008 and 2013.

Rennie is in the final year of his contract at the Glasgow Warriors and will see out his full tenure with the club, meaning he won’t be able to officially start with Australia until midway through next year.

He has worked with Rugby AU director of rugby Scott Johnson during his stint at Glasgow, and Johnson and the yet-to-be-announced assistant coaches will be responsible for working with Australian players before Rennie takes up his new role in June. The Wallabies’ first Tests of the year are against Ireland and Fiji in July.

“It was important to Dave to see out his contract with Glasgow and he will commence with the Wallabies at the completion of the Pro 14 season. Between now and June, the Wallabies Assistant Coaches and Director of Rugby, Scott Johnson will take the lead in working with the players under Dave’s guidance and direction,” Rugby AU CEO Raelene Castle said.

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The New Zealander had previously coached the Chiefs to back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013 before heading north to Glasgow. While he’s enjoyed less success with the Warriors, he still guided the side to the Pro 14 final and the quarter-finals of the European Champions Cup, the first time they made the playoffs in both competitions.

Castle said it was a great outcome for Australian rugby.

“This is a massive coup for Australian rugby, Dave Rennie was the clear standout candidate for the job, and we’re thrilled to have secured his services,” said Castle.

“Dave’s coaching philosophy focuses equally on football and team culture, the key pillars to building sustainable success in any team. He has a proven track record in the northern and southern hemisphere.

“When Michael Cheika confirmed he would not seek re-appointment following our Rugby World Cup exit, we moved to appoint our preferred candidate.”

Rennie, who was interviewed by Castle and outgoing chairman Cameron Clyne, as well as former Wallabies Phil Waugh and Brett Robinson before being appointed, said he was looking forward to the challenge.

“I’ve been coaching professionally for over 20 years and wherever I’ve gone, I’ve immersed myself in the community and culture. I believe I can make a difference here,” said Rennie.

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“There are some outstanding young men coming through the schools system. I want to create a strong connection with the Super Rugby and national age grade coaches and help them achieve their goals, which will benefit the Wallabies in time.

“When I met Raelene Castle, I was really impressed with her plans for the future of Australian Rugby and I’m keen to be part of that.”

Castle and Johnson will hold a press conference today at 11am to speak on Rennie’s appointment.

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