Rugby: Dave Rennie announced as new Wallabies coach

  • 20/11/2019
Dave Rennie is a former Chiefs coach in Super Rugby
Dave Rennie is a former Chiefs coach in Super Rugby Photo credit: Getty

Candidates to coach the All Blacks next are dropping by the day, with Rugby Australia appointing Dave Rennie to its Wallabies role on Wednesday.

The former Chiefs boss has signed a four-year deal that takes the Wallabies through to the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

Rennie replaces Michael Cheika, who chose not to seek re-appointment, after Australia's World Cup quarter-final exit.

Currently in charge of Glasgow Warriors, Rennie coached the Chiefs to Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013.

He becomes the second non-Australian to coach the Wallabies, after countryman Robbie Deans, who steered the side from 2008-13.

"I've been coaching professionally for over 20 years and wherever I've gone, I've immersed myself in the community and culture." said Rennie. "I believe I can make a difference here.

"There are some outstanding young men coming through the schools system.

"I want to create a strong connection with the Super Rugby and national age-grade coaches, and help them achieve their goals, which will benefit the Wallabies in time."

Because of his commitments with Glasgow in the Pro14, Rennie will take up the post with Australia in July.

"This is a massive coup for Australian rugby," said Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle. "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 hemispheres.

"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."

Earlier this month, the 55-year-old was linked to the vacant All Blacks coaching role, confirming he had been invited to apply for the job.

Rennie would have been considered a top contender for the job, alongside other frontrunners Ian Foster, Scott Robertson and Jamie Joseph, who inked a new deal with Japan on Monday.

But the new Australian coach revealed he has been in talks with his new employers for some time and was already thinking about his future in green and gold.

"I'm a proud kiwi but the big thing is I'd been talking to Australia for a lot of months and the All Blacks interest came in late in the piece," he said. 

"By that stage, we'd done a lot of homework & were really excited by the opportunity to go to Australia, so that ended up being an easy decision."

Interviews for the All Blacks role will take place in early December.