Ewen McKenzie has been appointed as the new head coach of Australia after Robbie Deans resigned following their defeat to the British & Irish Lions.
The Wallabies suffered a 2-1 series defeat against the Lions, and after a heavy defeat in the final game Deans stepped down with immediate effect.
The Australian rugby union board didn’t waste any time and has appointed McKenzie less than two days after Deans’ offer of resignation.
McKenzie is used to success with the Wallabies, playing 51 tests which included being part of the World Cup-winning squad in 1991. In the early 2000’s he was the assistant coach to the national team under Rod McQueen and Eddie Jones. At club level he led Queensland Reds to the Super Rugby title in 2011 and has also had spells with the Waratahs, and Stade Francais.
Speaking about his appointment, McKenzie said: “I’m really pleased to be able to accept the job of Wallaby coach. I’m pretty proud right now, pretty privileged to be able to get that opportunity.
“Right here and now I’ve been asked to do a very specific job, that job starts in five weeks’ time. There’s no better coaching assignment than to pit yourself against the All Blacks.
“I’ve played and coached in a bunch of Bledisloe Cup games and to get another crack at the All Blacks is terrific. I’m really looking forward to the challenge of taking them on and from that, good things can flow.”
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