Why 'proud' Kiwi Dave Rennie chose the Wallabies over the All Blacks

Sports Reporter

Tue, 19 Nov 2019, 10:05 pm

Dave Rennie is the new Wallabies coach, having signed a three-and-a-half year deal through till the end of the 2023 World Cup.

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

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Currently in charge of Glasgow Warriors in Scotland, 55-year-old New Zealander coached the Chiefs to Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013.

Rennie becomes the Wallabies' second non-Australian coach, following countryman Robbie Deans who led the side from 2008 to 2013.

Dave Rennie said it was an "easy decision" when deciding to coach the Wallabies. (Getty Images)

The exciting appointment has many wondering why Rennie chose the Wallabies role over a potential crack at the All Blacks job.

But Rennie said the opportunity was too good to pass up after doing his homework.

“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,” Rennie told Rugby.com.au.

Rennie said he understands many Wallabies’ fans would want an Aussie coach, but he was willing to put in the hard yards to make sure Australian rugby thrives.

“I guess we’ll be judged by what we do as opposed to what I say now but I can assure you that I care about he future of Australian rugby, going to work really hard to get a strong connection with the Super Rugby coaches and a national age grade coaches to ensure we’ve got good young talent through and good pathways for them.”

Glasgow Warriors head coach Dave Rennie ahead of the European Rugby Champions Cup match between Glasgow Warriors and Sale Sharks, at Scotstoun Stadium, on November 16, 2019, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Bill Murray / SNS Group via Getty Images)

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, Dave Rennie was the clear standout candidate for the job, and we're thrilled to have secured his services," Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle 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.

"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."