New Zealander Dave Rennie has been tasked with leading Australia to the 2023 World Cup after being appointed Michael Cheika’s replacement in the wake of the Wallabies’ meek quarterfinal exit from Japan.
Rennie, who was also in the running to replace Steve Hansen at the helm of All Blacks rugby, says his country’s call came too late.
New Zealand rugby boss Brent Impey revealed this week that they would only name a new boss next month.
After accepting the Australia job, Rennie says: “I’m a proud Kiwi but the big thing is I’ve been talking to Australia for a lot of months and the All Blacks interest came in late in the piece.
“And by that stage, we’d done a lot of homework, we were really excited about the opportunity to go to Australia and that ended up being an easy decision.”
GONER: Michael Cheika. Picture: Mark Cristino/Reuters.
Rennie is the second Kiwi to take on the role following Robbie Deans, but believes his nationality won’t be an issue.
The former Chiefs and current Glasgow Warriors boss says: “I get it, I think Australians want their national team coached by an Australian and I’m okay with that.
“Hopefully, they’re feeling that way because they care about Aussie rugby and all I can say is everywhere I’ve gone I’ve immersed myself in the community and the culture.”
The Wallabies will be Rennie’s first national job at the highest level, but he comes with a track record of rapid success at junior and provincial grade in both hemispheres.
NEED A BOOST: Australia knocked out in the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal. Picture: Mark Cristino/Reuters.
The 55-year-old led New Zealand’s U20 side to three consecutive world titles from 2008-10 before claiming back-to-back Super Rugby crowns in 2012-13 in his first two years in charge of the Chiefs.
Crossing to with Glasgow Warriors in 2017, he guided the Scottish side to the Pro14 final and the quarterfinal of the Heineken Champions Cup last season.
Rennie, who will start his Wallabies tenure in July 2020 after completing his Warriors commitments, will hope for similar quick success in Australia to win over the inevitable sceptics.