Rennie says Australian coaching role ‘unlikely’

Dave Rennie has denied that he is destined to be Wallabies coach after this year’s World Cup.

The Glasgow Warriors coach, who is much admired by Rugby Australia’s new director of rugby, Scott Johnson, has been heavily tipped to succeed Michael Cheika if front-runners Warren Gatland and Eddie Jones are unavailable.

‘‘It’s just a bit of speculation, as often happens when there’s a potential job up for grabs,’’ he said. ‘‘I certainly haven’t spoken to anyone, and my contract with Glasgow takes me through until the middle of 2020. I’d imagine from an international point of view most of these jobs are going to be gobbled up straight after a World Cup. I knew that was probably going to be the case when I signed on for another season, so it’s just speculation.

‘‘You never say never, but what I’ve said is I’m assuming that, like a lot of teams, they’ll probably make changes in coaches immediately after the World Cup. That’s November, 2019. I’m committed here until July, 2020, unlikely.’’

In the meantime, Rennie has a job on his hands if Glasgow are to finish top of their Pro14 so that’s why it’s conference and claim the home semifinal which has been a route to the final for all but one of the semifinalists. Glasgow lead Munster by three points, and have a 14-point cushion to third-placed Connacht, but the Warriors have a significantly harder run-in than the Irish province. Where Munster play Zebre at home before rounding off with Cardiff at home, Benetton away and Connacht at home, Glasgow, who play the Cheetahs this weekend, then face Ulster at home, Leinster away and finish off at home against Edinburgh, who have already beaten them home and away.

‘‘The tough run is really good for us,’’ Rennie said. ‘‘This time last year we were 20 points clear and there was not a lot of edge about us.

‘‘The previous three teams we played apart from Zebre were third in our conference and us getting points has increased the gap between us. We have some tough games going into the playoffs which is good for us. We are excited by that and if we are good enough we will qualify top. If not we will still be in the mix somewhere.’’

‘‘It’s just a bit of speculation, as often happens when there’s a potential job up for grabs.’’ Dave Rennie

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PHOTOSPORT Glasgow Warriors coach Dave Rennie, main image, has denied reports of being tipped to take over as Wallabies coach. Inset, from top: Current Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, and possible replacements Warren Gatland and Eddie Jones.