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Rugby Australia confirm Dave Rennie sacked as Eddie Jones returns
By Ben Smith
Rugby Australia have confirmed to the Sydney Morning Herald that Dave Rennie has been sacked as head coach of the Wallabies, effective immediately, after multiple media reports surfaced with the news.
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The bombshell news dropped on Monday morning will see Rugby Australia part ways with former Chiefs coach Rennie after three years in the job since taking the reins following the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
In an incredible twist of fate, recently sacked England head coach Eddie Jones has been handed a five-year deal to take the side through the next two World Cups until 2027.
BREAKING: Dave Rennie has been sacked as Wallabies coach, effective immediately.
Eddie Jones to coach Wallabies at 2023 World Cup.
Five year deal through to 2027.
— Tom Decent (@tomdecent) January 15, 2023
Jones will return for his second stint as Wallabies head coach, his first being from 2001 to 2005 which featured a World Cup final appearance in 2003.
He will have just eight months to prepare for the tournament in France when he takes over the role officially on January 28 and will oversee the 2023 World Cup campaign, a Lions series in 2025 and potentially another home World Cup in 2027 should he still be head coach.
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Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan told Sydney Morning Herald’s journalist Tom Decent that Jones’ signature was a ‘major coup’ who will bring ‘deep’ knowledge of playing the game the Australian way back to the Wallabies.
Rugby Australia’s official statement thanked Rennie for his service while expressing excitement to have Jones back in Australia.
🦘 Excited to have Eddie back on board.
We'd like to thank Dave for his service to the team and wish him the best for the future.#Wallabies pic.twitter.com/TQJ6Awsbld
— Wallabies (@wallabies) January 15, 2023
As for Rennie, the 59-year-old Kiwi will finish with a 38 per cent win record in charge of the Wallabies with 13 wins, three draws and 18 losses.
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Dubious. Five-year appointments should have public performance clauses, like 60% win ratio within two years, or one or more major tournaments like Bledisloe, Rugby Championship or RWC within that window. If not, the board who pick the coach should walk away with them.
I wish you luck, Australia!
A "courageous" decision, as Sir Humphrey would describe, to install someone who has just been sacked.
To sign him for 5 years is downright scandalous and an irresponsible risk of RA financial resources.
Crikey. This is going to be fascinating. I hope September comes quickly.