Rennie Sacked as Wallabies Coach, Replaced by Jones
Rugby Australia has dropped a bombshell by sacking Wallabies coach Dave Rennie with immediate effect.
Rennie will be replaced by Eddie Jones for the 2023 World Cup. Jones has signed a five-year deal that will take him through to the 2027 World Cup.
Jones will also oversee after the Wallaroos programme.
In a statement to the Herald, RA chairman Hamish McLennan confirmed the news.
“It is a major coup for Australian Rugby to have the best coach in the world return home to coach the iconic Wallabies and to oversee the Wallaroos programme,” McLennan said.
“Eddie’s deep understanding of our rugby system and knowledge of our player group and pathways will lift the team to the next level. “Eddie instinctively understands the Australian way of playing rugby – this represents an opportunity to secure a coach of immense expertise and experience at the biggest competitions, and we did not want to miss it.”
Earlier this month, Rennie said there was no chance of Jones working with the Wallabies at the World Cup.
At the time it was believed Rennie, who is contracted until the end of the year, had survived the axe following a poor Wallabies year which yielded five wins from 14 tests.
Had the Wallabies not scored a late win against Wales in their final game of the spring tour, it would have been their worst year since 1958.
It has now been revealed that Rugby Australia have ditched Rennie. Jones, who was recently sacked as England coach after a string of poor results late last year, is an Australian.
Rugby Australia issued a statement following the news that Rennie had been axed.
“I would like to thank Dave for his hard work and effort with the Wallabies – we are grateful for all that he has done for Australian Rugby,’’ Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos said.
“Dave has been instrumental in developing much of the depth that we see in and around the current Wallabies squad; there are a number of players that are genuine World Cup possibilities because of opportunities that Dave has provided. “The work ethic, the spirit within the group, and the way the team carries itself are all a direct result of Dave’s input – he has made a real mark on this group of players.”
Rennie signed with Rugby Australia on a four-year deal after the Wallabies failed to advance beyond the quarterfinals at the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
He had previously been in charge of Scotland club side Glasgow Warriors since 2017. Rennie coached the Chiefs between 2012 and 2017, guiding them to Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013.
Jones coached the Wallabies between 2001 and 2005. He was in charge when the Wallabies were beaten by England in the World Cup final in Sydney in 2003.
Since being axed by England, Jones had made it clear he was open to the prospect of coaching another country – but he wasn’t prepared to work as an assistant.