Ewen McKenzie replaces Robbie Deans

Ewen McKenzie has been named as the new Australia head coach, the Australian Rugby Union announced today.
The Queensland Reds boss takes over from Kiwi Robbie Deans who stood down following the Series defeat to the British & Irish Lions last Saturday.
Former Wallaby prop Mckenzie will see out the rest of the Super Rugby season with the Reds before leading the Green and Gold in their Rugby Championship campaign in Ausgust.
McKenzie said: “To coach the Wallabies is a huge honour and also a special opportunity to lead a team that I’ve enjoyed many great experiences with in the past as both a player and coach,” McKenzie said.
“As a role at the highest level, it’s one I aspire to because I truly believe I’m ready to make a difference on many levels. It’s not a role without challenges but is also one that comes with great opportunity and a chance to influence the current state of rugby both on and off the field. There’s no denying that Rugby functions within a hugely competitive sporting landscape and it’s important that the Wallabies are viewed as a central part of it and that the Australian rugby brand is providing inspiration for our fans and the next generation of players.
“There are so many positives this game brings and by unifying all its parts and working efficiently together we can create a culture and structure whereby the Wallabies are consistently successful at the highest level in the biggest games. There is a significant opportunity with the Rugby Championship commencing in August and I think everyone is looking forward to getting to work and tackling the challenges ahead.”
ARU CEO Bill Pulver said: “We have been conducting that due diligence over the last few months, taking into account broad criteria for coach selection.
“Consideration was given to leadership skills, discipline, coaching capability, coaching records, and important factors such as character, values and style of play. Therefore, we were well prepared depending on how the year unfolded.
“Robbie resigning in the wake of the Lions Tour did not catch us unprepared to move forward with a replacement. Having established the necessary criteria, and spoken to the relevant people, we were convinced that Ewen was now the man to take the Wallabies forward. His opportunity comes forward quickly, with the Rugby Championship and the opening match of that competition – the Bledisloe Cup showdown with the All Blacks on August 17.
“In welcoming Ewen, ARU also wants to say a sincere thank you to Robbie Deans for his massive contribution to the game in this country over a long period of time. Robbie came into the job in 2008, improved our away record almost immediately, delivered a Tri-Nations title in 2011, and has been a significant part of a Lions Tour that over shadows any other rugby event in Australia since the 2003 Rugby World Cup. To Robbie, we wish him all the best in his future endeavours and to build further on what is one of world rugby‘s most impressive coaching resumes.”