New Aussie coach urges end to squabbling

LONDON: Incoming Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has urged Australian rugby union’s warring factions to stop airing their differences in public.

The New Zealander – who recently ended his four-year spell as coach of Glasgow Warriors – replaces Michael Cheika, who left after Australia were beaten in last year’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals by eventual runners-up England.

Much has changed since the 56-year-old Rennie accepted the job, with Rugby Australia (RA) chief executive Raelene Castle having resigned in April amid accusations that the first woman to hold the post had been bullied by “dark forces” on social media.

And last week saw RA tear up the contract of Wallaby lock Izack Rodda after he refused to accept a coronavirus enforced pay-cut

The Covid-19 shutdown has added to the financial strains on RA, which was already struggling after reaching a multi-million dollar settlement with star try-scorer Israel Folau over his sacking for homophobic comments.

RA reported a provisional A$9.4 million (US$6 million) operating deficit last year and has laid off 75 per cent of staff to cut costs during the virus emergency, with former Australia captain Nick FarrJones among those openly critical of the governing body.

“Things have been a bit messy and that’s putting it mildly,” Rennie said in a video conference call from his home in Glasgow on Friday.

“An enormous amount of stuff has come out in the press and that’s one thing I’d like to stop,” the 56-year-old added. “A lot of discussions need to happen behind closed doors.”

Rennie could not hide his disappointment at the departure of Castle but said he had no intention of walking away from the Wallabies.

“Raelene is an impressive person, she is tough but has been bullied the last couple of years which is really disappointing,” said Rennie. “I am disappointed I won’t get the chance to work with her but I am committed, I signed a deal and intend to see it through.”