Dave Rennie is the new Wallabies coach, taking over from Michael Cheika. [Source: Wallabies]

Dave Rennie is the new Wallabies coach, taking over from Michael Cheika.

Rugby Australia confirmed the appointment of the New Zealander on a four-year deal today in Sydney.

The contract will take Rennie through to the 2023 Rugby World Cup and ended all talk on Rennie’s chances of becoming the next All Black coach, replacing Steve Hansen.

He is expected to see out his contract with Glasgow and formally join the Australian set up mid-next year, when the Wallabies host Ireland, in a two-test series, and Fiji.

In a statement today, Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle described the decision as a “coup” for Australian rugby and the culmination of a six-month search for Cheika’s replacement.

“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,” she 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.

“I have had extensive conversations with Dave, and he was interviewed by Rugby Australia Chairman, Cameron Clyne and fellow Board Directors and former Wallabies, Brett Robinson and Phil Waugh before being appointed to the role.”

The 55 year old Rennie won two Super Rugby titles with the Chiefs in 2012 and 2013 and is the current coach of the Glasgow Warriors.

He has long been the front-runner in the search for Cheika’s replacement, with a paucity of sufficiently experienced local candidates after Eddie Jones ruled himself out of the race earlier this year.

Under the new global calendar, the July incoming tests will run straight into the 2020 Rugby Championship, where Australia will face World Cup winners South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina.

Rennie also released a statement on his appointment as the Wallabies coach.

“My wife, Steph and I have spent the past few months considering our future and we’re really excited about our decision,” he said in a statement.

Hear from Dave Rennie after he was unveiled as the new @Wallabies coach.

READ: https://t.co/u473c6t6C3 pic.twitter.com/AAtTomqoZL

— RUGBYcomau (@rugbycomau) November 19, 2019

“I’ve been coaching professionally for over 20 years and wherever I’ve gone, I’ve immersed myself in the community and culture. 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.

“When I met Raelene Castle, I was really impressed with her plans for the future of Australian rugby and I’m keen to be part of that.

“We’ve loved our time here in Glasgow. The coaching group and management are absolutely world-class. The work ethic and passion of the players has been incredible, and we will miss them,” said Rennie.

[Source: stuff.co.nz]