Australia calling for Rennie
Kiwi confirmed as Wallabies coach... with Wilson set to take reins at Warriors
DAVE RENNIE was last night confirmed as the next head coach of Australia — with Danny Wilson hot favourite to replace him at the end of the season at Glasgow Warriors.
A statement from the Australian Rugby Union confirmed the New Zealander would be taking over from Michael Cheika in July 2020 on a three-and-a-half-year deal.
And, unless there is a lastminute change of heart, Wilson will leave his job as Scotland forwards coach to replace Rennie at Scotstoun.
Revealing the move, Rennie said: ‘My wife, Steph, and I have spent the past few months considering our future and we’re really excited about our decision.
‘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.
‘We’ve loved our time here in Glasgow. It’s been as good as I could have wished for after leaving New Zealand.
‘The coaching group and management are absolutely world class. The work ethic and passion of the players has been incredible, and we will miss them.
‘It’s an exciting opportunity to coach at international level and an added bonus that we’ll be a little closer to home, near our kids and grandkids.
‘All my focus is on the rest of the season in Glasgow as we strive to be in the mix come play-off time in both competitions again.’
SRU chief executive Mark Dodson praised the work Rennie, who is in his third season at Glasgow Warriors, has done at the club. ‘I’d like to thank Dave for the contribution he’s made to the development of Glasgow Warriors over the past two seasons,’ said Dodson.
‘He’s led a talented playing and coaching group with passion and encouraged the team to express themselves and play positive rugby throughout.
‘He enhanced the strong, positive culture at Scotstoun and pushed the team to achieve significant results, playing some outstanding rugby on the way.
‘He has conducted himself throughout with great professionalism and I know he will want to sign off his time in
Glasgow with some silverware. We wish him well for the future.’
Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle added: ‘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.
‘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.
‘It was important to Dave to see out his contract with Glasgow and he will commence with the Wallabies at the completion of the Pro14 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.
‘Dave and Scott worked closely together during their time in Scotland and will join forces once again to implement Rugby Australia’s national high performance plan. We have the right structure in place to build for the next era of sustained success.’
Rennie will be a hard act to follow and Glasgow fans were expecting a big-name replacement. Wilson, just off the back of a disappointing World Cup campaign, has his work cut out but he does have a decent track record at club level, having led Cardiff Blues to victory in the 2018 European Challenge Cup.
It was revealed yesterday that Rennie had decided not to apply for the New Zealand job, which was the signal for Australian Rugby chiefs to announce he was joining them.
The All Blacks had sounded him out about taking charge of his homeland after Steve Hansen stepped down at the end of the World Cup. Rennie admitted that it was ‘flattering and humbling’ to be linked to such a high-profile post.