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Dave Rennie 'absolutely committed' to Wallabies position despite Rugby Australia uncertainty

By Online Editors
(Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

Rugby Australia (RA) chief executive Raelene Castle has rejected suggestions that incoming Wallabies boss Dave Rennie will abandon ship amid ongoing leadership uncertainty.

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Castle’s future has been clouded by widespread precariousness as rugby in Australia struggles to stay afloat financially due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The former Netball New Zealand and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs CEO has come under immense pressure in recent times as RA posted a $9.4 million loss last year and is facing the possibility of a $120 million revenue deficit should no rugby be played in 2020.

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Those figures and Castle’s uncertain future in her current position led to reports in Australia that Rennie could desert RA should the chief executive be sacked from her role.

However, Castle has asserted that Rennie is “absolutely committed” to joining the Wallabies once his commitments with Scottish PRO14 club Glasgow Warriors come to an end in June.

“Dave is absolutely committed to Australia and I am absolutely committed to seeing the business through these difficult times and ensuring that we can see the Wallabies back playing test matches with the new coaching team that we worked really hard to put together,” she said, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

“I know that Dave and [assistants Scott Wisemantel and Matt Taylor] are working really hard doing the groundwork to make sure the Wallabies are going to be as prepared as they can be and we have a world class practitioner in John Pryor leading our athletic development program. I’m really excited to see that coaching team coach the Wallabies.”

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Castle’s confidence comes in stark contrast to sources reportedly close to Rennie, though, who have indicated to the SMH that the two-time Super Rugby-winning coach would be the first to leave if there is a change in power at RA.

Those sources were also unsure whether the likes of Wisemantel and Taylor would last if Rennie were to depart, given the two assistants left high-paying jobs in England and Scotland for Wallabies roles.

The SMH reports that should any tumult unfold, Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar would be the likely beneficiary if Castle, Rennie and anyone else were to leave RA.

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Trevor 2 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 6 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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