Wallabies Appoint Dave Rennie Coach

New Zealander Dave Rennie has been tasked with resurrecting the Wallabies, replacing Michael Cheika as head coach in a deal that will take him through to the 2023 World Cup, Pascal Guyot reports in a story featured online at Japan Today.

The 55-year-old, only the second non-Australian to lead the team, will fulfil his commitments to Scottish side Glasgow Warriors, where he is currently coach, before assuming his new role in July next year.

The Wallabies are due to play Ireland in Brisbane on 4 July, giving Rennie little time to stamp his mark on the Michael Hooper-led side before their home season gets under way.

That first series will be an important one to restore faith in the team after their dismal World Cup quarterfinal exit to England in Japan, where their tactics were widely criticised.

Rugby Australia chief, fellow New Zealander Raelene Castle, said Rennie had always been their favoured choice to replace Cheika, who fell on his sword after the World Cup and a series of poor results leading into it.

“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,” Castle said. “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.”

Lower Hutt-born Rennie was appointed coach of Glasgow Warriors for the 2017/18 season and in his second year took them to the Pro-14 final and the last eight of the European Champions Cup, the first time the Warriors have made the playoffs in both competitions.

Original article by Pascal Guyot, Japan Today, November 20, 2019.