Sacked Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has broken his silence, thanking Australia for their support and wishing his former side well at the Rugby World Cup.
Rennie also gave his well-wishes to Eddie Jones for a successful World Cup, with the Australian returning to the post almost 18 years after being sacked by then-Australian Rugby Union CEO Gary Flowers.
The former Chiefs coach, who won Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013, was sacked on Monday morning by the Rugby Australia board after three years in charge of the Wallabies.
Rennie finished with a win record of 38 per cent, but rarely did he ever have his best team on the park in large part because of suspension.
Dave Rennie has broken his silence, revealing he had been sent over 500 messages of support. Photo: Harry Trump/Getty Images
He also took charge during a tumultuous period in Australian rugby, which included a fresh administration, Michael Cheika’s fractured relationship with former CEO Raelene Castle, Israel Folau’s sacking and the culling of the Western Force.
The outbreak of COVID-19 was yet another curveball to throw at a first-year Test coach.
Ultimately, however, Rugby Australia’s thinking changed when Eddie Jones, who was being lined up to take over in 2024, was sacked in late December by the Rugby Football Union after two difficult years in charge of England.
It led to Rennie being brutally shown the door on Monday, with Jones – the experienced World Cup operator, who has coached at four World Cups – to take over the Wallabies and the overseeing of the Wallaroos.
Rennie was delivered the news at 6am on Monday.
Dave Rennie said he could leave Australian rugby knowing he had the support of the playing group and staff. Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Until now, the New Zealander had maintained his silence.
In a typically humble manner, Rennie thanked the rugby community for the support and his family had received since his axing, revealing he had had more than 500 messages.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank all of those who have reached out to Steph and I over the past 48 hours or so,” Rennie said in a statement.
“The support has been immense and much appreciated from the more than 500 messages I’ve received from current and former players, coaches, administrators and friends both here and abroad.”
Rennie pointedly said he left knowing he had the support of the playing group and the staff, as well as acknowledging the wider Australian community for embracing him, before wishing Jones well.
“I’ve loved my time with the team. They’re outstanding young men who are keen to learn and prepared to work hard,” Rennie said.
“The staff I worked with during my time with the Wallabies are some of the best in the world and they played a massive role in creating a quality environment and developing the depth of the playing group.
“I’d like to particularly thank those in the Australian rugby community for their support of the team over the past three years and for all the words of encouragement when we have crossed paths in schools, on the training field or in airports around the country.
“I’m disappointed I won’t be able to see out my contract in the way I agreed to back in 2019 but leave knowing I had the full support of the playing group and the staff.
“I certainly felt we have made massive shifts over the past three years both on and off the field, which is off the back of a hell of a lot of hard work put in by good people.
“I wish Eddie, the staff and the team all the best in what’s a massive year, with the Rugby World Cup less than nine months away.”
Rennie will be paid out by Rugby Australia and placed on “gardening leave”, meaning he can’t coach elsewhere in 2023.
He has, however, been strongly linked to taking a job in the League One competition in Japan.
Jones will officially start with RA on January 29.
Micko
Roar Rookie
He seemed to be resigned to leaving/not getting his contract renewed by the sounds of it.
James584
Roar Rookie
Dave thought his time would end at the RWC. What was the point of keeping him? He was already gone.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
That’s very interesting Safety. I have noticed since 2020 that Rennie has built some cross Tasman dignity, creating new alliances such as yours as a Chiefs fan. Other NZers may have something to offer on this, but from this Aussie’s view, and I am not alone, Dave Rennie has demanded grateful respect. Eddie may end up being the finishing school but history, I expect, will view Dave’s WB efforts kindly- from both sides of the ditch.
:laughing:
Great post! Thanks for the insight - this is the stuff the media should cover more!
I dont know if the author would respond but great point Ken.
Yeah very true. A breath of fresh air when you consider the tit-for-tat in our society today.
Go Well Dave! And as others have noted, a very humble response too! Whoever picks you up will benefit hugely! Maybe the Cook Islands or Manu Samoa may make a shock resurgence?
Sad. He is a great coach and thought the side was improving under him! Something the numbers cant capture is the belief and confidence that Dave developed in this team! Has done a fantastic job with what he had. Not everything can be quantified by stats.. Reminds me of the 1st year when Super Rugby started. That nobody team the Crusaders came dead-LAST!! They should've sacked the coach because his "stats" and numbers and win rate were pretty bad!! But they didn't, and Wayne Smith became what I consider the greatest Rugby coach in the World today!! And set up the greatest most winning-est Super team ever the (Mostly made up of Blues players and other franchise players :silly: ) Crusaders!
Tez
Roar Rookie
Yeah but I was wondering if the no coaching deal was just internationally or whether it also included a possible gig with Kobe?
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Fair call Rat.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
:laughing: :thumbup:
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Yes El Gamba… There are Kiwis that use the definition of mad negatively, my mad is about my humour… :silly: :thumbup:
Tim J
Roar Rookie
That is a great way to explain it Ken, it just would be great that people used their passion in a positive manner rather than using it to lower standards.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Thank you Phil, I can understand why some like El Gamba left. People come on here because of their love and passion for the game, some others have other agendas. :thumbup:
OZ Rugby Fan
Guest
As always, Dave Rennie shows his class. I truly liked Rennie and I know he gave his everything but for whatever reason, I felt in 22 he was coming undone. I think he made some poor choices. I would have certainly let him have his crack at the RWC. I would have liked to see Cheika have his unimpeded crack too. Not because I think we would have necessarily done better, but then there's no excuses and you really know what's what. On the flipside, I understand why RA made the choice they did. Due to England's decision, Eddie Jones was available now and not likely in a year's time. He is likely getting 5 year offers. RA believe Jones is their man, right or wrong. I don't think it was going to be Rennie with his results. I'm not sure many other top tier teams would have accepted a coach with these results either. So, RA made their move as to not miss out on Jones. I really don't see an equivalent or better option available either. I'm not surprised RA had already been speaking to him. It's only smart in the position we are in. Doesn't mean they wanted Rennie to fail. On the other hand, the reality is Rennie is a first time international coach. He is being replaced by Eddie Jones, whatever you think of him, he is a successful coach with decades of experience and knowledge. It's not really the insult some may take it to be. I would feel insulted if I was replaced with someone with less experience or no international experience, not a senior coach like Jones. I don't think it will hurt Rennie as much as people think it will. I can see him still in demand. Best of luck for the future, Dave Rennie!
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Yes DA. I would come here to listen and learn, but I may need to learn to read first.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
That’s fair Simon.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Mad, Jordan Petersen delineates between Agreeable people, and Disagreeable people. The latter tend to succeed more in worldly ways. The former tend to receive social reward. It’s not a question of morality, or superiority. But some people look for harmony. Others would rather a fight than a feed. Oh well.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
I did that for 2 years thanks to the vid