Wallabies statement: Dave Rennie confirms change to coaching staff

The Wallabies will take on the Springboks next week in Adelaide in round three of the Rugby Championship a coach down after Dave Rennie announced the departure of defence coach Matt Taylor with immediate effect. 

The assistant had worked alongside Rennie since the NewZealander took charge in 2020 but has now stepped away for personal reasons following the two-game tour to Argentina that began with an encouraging 41-26 win and ended with a wounding 48-17 loss.   

A Rugby Australia statement read: “The Wallabies have announced a change to the coaching structure effective immediately.

“Defence coach Matt Taylor has made the decision to step away from international rugby for now after more than a decade at the coalface of over 110 Tests as an assistant coach with Scotland and Australia.

“Taylor joined the Wallabies ahead of the 2020 season and following a discussion with Wallabies coach Dave Rennie, both parties felt the time was right for him to step away and commit his focus to some personal matters that he needs to prioritise at this point. The Wallabies will announce any additions to the coaching staff in due course.”

Taylor said: “While this was an extremely difficult decision, I know it’s the right one for me and my family at this point in time. I’m looking forward to spending more time with them and look forward to getting back into coaching when the time is right.”

Wallabies coach Rennie added: “Matt is a great man with a strong work ethic, who is well respected within the Wallabies environment and we will miss him.”