Ewen McKenzie will coach the Wallabies to the 2015 Rugby World Cup after the Australian Rugby Union released Robbie Deans from his two-year contract six months early.

It is understood the departing Reds head coach, who took the Queensland side to a Super Rugby title in 2011, will be unveiled tomorrow as Deans's replacement.

McKenzie has seen off a powerful challenge from Brumbies coach Jake White, who was considered a strong favourite for the position just a few weeks ago.