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Dave Rennie will not be the next All Blacks coach - report

By Finn Morton
(Photo By David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie will not be considered for the All Blacks top job after this year’s Rugby World Cup in France, according to a report out of New Zealand.

According to Newshub, Rennie will not be in contention for the All Blacks’ head coaching job. Instead, NZR would prefer the 59-year-old returns in a “Super Rugby-type role.”

Rugby Australia made the stunning decision to axe Rennie eight months out from the sports most prestigious event, as they looked to legendary coach Eddie Jones to lead the resurgence.

The Wallabies were coming off a disastrous campaign under Rennie, which saw them five of their 14 Test matches.

While the Wallabies were able to avoid their worst season since 1958 after an incredible comeback win over Wales in Cardiff, the writing was seemingly already on the wall for the coach.

In a statement released by Rennie and Rugby Australia more than two weeks ago, the coach expressed how “disappointed” he was not be taking the team through to the World Cup.

“The support has been immense and much appreciated from the more than 500 messages I’ve received from current and former players, coaches, administrators and friends both here and abroad,” Rennie said.

“I’ve loved my time with the team. They’re outstanding young men who are keen to learn and prepared to work hard.

“The staff I worked with during my time with the Wallabies are some of the best in the world and they played a massive role in creating a quality environment and developing the depth of the playing group.”

Broadcaster James McOnie also recently expressed his disapproval of the decision.

McOnie, who is known for his world on The Crowd Goes Wild, believes Rennie had actually “worked a few things out” for the national team.

“I just feel like Dave Rennie has been unduly punished,” McOnie told Weekend Sport with Jason Pine last month.

“I hope he didn’t get punished for that Melbourne game where the French referee punished old Bernard Foley.

“There’s big disconnect when you’re a Kiwi coach over there and I’ve heard this from ex-Wallabies.”