Michael Cheika’s final wish for Australian rugby has fallen on deaf ears, with New Zealander Dave Rennie confirmed as Wallabies coach today.

As reported by foxsports.com.au the Glasgow Warriors coach, who is in his third and final season in charge of the Scottish club, has accepted a deal to take the Wallabies to the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

The appointment comes after months of speculation that the 55-year-old was poised to take the job and follow Rugby Australia’s director of rugby Scott Johnson, down under.

Johnson played an influential role in bringing Rennie to Scotland in 2017, before accepting a job offer to carry out a similar role with RA.

“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,” RA boss Raelene Castle said.

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Glasgow warriors head Coach Dave Rennie. Source: Getty Images

“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.

“Given incumbent head coach Michael Cheika had indicated in early 2019 the possibility that he would not seek re-appointment for the role, we needed to identify a list of candidates that would be available to us, and suitable to work within our new high performance framework.

“This search has been ongoing for the past six months.

“When Michael then confirmed he would not seek re-appointment following our Rugby World Cup exit, we moved to appoint our preferred candidate.

“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.

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Former Chiefs coach Dave Rennie is heading to Australia. Source: Getty Images

“It was important to Dave to see out his contract with Glasgow and he will commence with the Wallabies at the completion of the Pro 14 season.

“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.

“Dave and Scott worked closely together during their time in Scotland and will join forces once again to implement Rugby Australia’s national high performance plan.

“With Dave as head coach and Scott managing our off-field program, the Wallabies have the right structure in place to build for the next era of sustained success.”

Rennie was also asked by New Zealand Rugby to apply for the vacant All Blacks coaching job.

But with All Blacks assistant Ian Foster and Crusaders coach Scott Robertson the front-runners for the job, Rennie has instead opted for Australia.

EXCLUSIVE | Dave Rennie talks about his decision to leave the club at the end of the season to become the next Head Coach of Australia. pic.twitter.com/lhQmY78ART — Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) November 19, 2019

Rennie follows in the footsteps of New Zealander Robbie Deans. Source: Getty Images

Rennie is the second foreigner to coach the Wallabies, following in the footsteps of compatriot Robbie Deans who held the role from 2008-2013.

Under Deans, the Wallabies regularly held the No 2 position on the world rankings and were semifinalists at the 2011 World Cup.

Deans was sacked in 2013 after losing the series against the British and Irish Lions.

Rennie will start work with the Wallabies in July after seeing out his contract in Scotland.

He won’t have long to get his feet under the table, with the Wallabies to play Ireland in Brisbane on July 4.

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

“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.”

Dave Rennie is the new Wallabies coach. Source: Getty Images

Rennie’s first year in charge will be important as he tries to restore faith in the Australian rugby community after two years of appalling results under Cheika.

Cheika’s Wallabies won just four of 13 Tests in 2018 and were bundled out of this year’s World Cup quarterfinals by England.

After falling on his sword, Cheika said his preference was for a fellow Australian to replace him.

‘‘I think definitely we should be pushing for an Australian coach,’’ Cheika said.

‘‘It’s not up to me but I think we should be backing and supporting Australian coaches wherever possible.’’

But without a standout Australian candidate, Rennie was always RA’s first pick.

Rennie led the Chiefs to two Super Rugby titles in his first two seasons in 2012 and 2013.

The Chiefs never missed the finals under Rennie.

Rennie also took Glasgow to the Pro 14 final this year, where they were pipped 18-15 by Ireland powerhouse Leinster.

Earlier this month, former All Blacks lock Ross Filipo told foxsports.com.au that Rennie would be a good fit for Australian rugby.

“He played for Wellington, a handy midfielder back in his day with really silky skills,” Filipo said.

New Zealand Provincial & U20s



NPC Wellington Lions (2000-2002)

- Wellington win first competition in 14 years (2000)



NPC Manawatū Turbos (2005-2011)



Won the U20 World Championship in 2008, 2009 & 2010 with NZ



3/3 — Fox Sports Lab (@FoxSportsLab) November 19, 2019

“That has transferred into his coaching in terms of what he tries to grow in his players — whether it be technical skills, vision, decision making — he’s a class act in that area.

“The teams he coaches have really amazing skillsets and keep the ball alive.

“Those types of skills are always on display in teams he coaches — a very positive type of rugby.

“And that’s probably a fit for Australian rugby.

“When I look back at the times I got to play Australia and in Super Rugby for a number of years, my memories are very much ruck and run with really high skillsets.

“Run, catch, pass, kicking, offloading — all those types of things were a real feature of Australian rugby for a number of years.

“So that side of things seems like a match.”