McKenzie resigns as Wallaby coach
The Australian Rugby Union revealed that Ewen McKenzie has resigned as Wallaby coach.
McKenzie announced his resignation after the Wallabies were gallant in defeat, going down 28-29 to New Zealand in Brisbane on Saturday.
"The easiest thing for me to do is exit stage left – [that's] all I've got to say," he told his post-match media briefing.
The resignation, exactly 11 months before the 2015 World Cup kicks off, follows rumours of discontent in the Wallabies camp and comes after McKenzie was forced to deny an extra-marital affair with a staff member.
McKenzie had come under increasing pressure following Australia's embarrassing Rugby Championship loss to Argentina – after leading 14-0 – a fortnight ago and a litany of off-field problems, including the suspension of playmaker Kurtley Beale.
Australian Rugby Union CEO Bill Pulver paid tribute to McKenzie who has led Australia in 22 Tests since starting in the role in August 2013.
"I did not ask Ewen to resign, but understand his decision," Pulver said.
"At 10am this [Saturday] morning, I got an email from Ewen with his resignation attached – I tried to talk him out of this," he said.
"What's happened to Ewen over the last two weeks is pretty disappointing.
"Australian rugby has lost a pretty good man today [Saturday].
"It's extremely disappointing when a Wallabies coach feels he has to resign.
"Ewen is a world-class coach and a world-class individual who has been committed to playing entertaining rugby for our fans since he started in the role.
"During his tenure, he has overseen a seven match winning streak, drew against the All Blacks and beat South Africa – all achievements that had not been met in the previous year.
"We sincerely wish Ewen well for the future professionally and personally."
Pulver said the process to find a replacement has now begun.
"We hope to have the new coach in place before the team leaves for the year-end tour on Friday.
"Criteria for the role includes identifying a coach who can lead us to victory in next year's Rugby World Cup; represents Rugby's core values; has the support of the playing group; and is available.
"As part of this process, we will also identify structural improvements to the off-field element of the Wallabies, with a senior leadership role to be created to support the team.
"We will work with the incoming coach on that structure, with a solution to be in place as soon as possible," Pulver said.
