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Rugby Australia confirm Dave Rennie sacked as Eddie Jones returns

By Ben Smith
(Photo By David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Rugby Australia have confirmed to the Sydney Morning Herald that Dave Rennie has been sacked as head coach of the Wallabies, effective immediately, after multiple media reports surfaced with the news.

The bombshell news dropped on Monday morning will see Rugby Australia part ways with former Chiefs coach Rennie after three years in the job since taking the reins following the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

In an incredible twist of fate, recently sacked England head coach Eddie Jones has been handed a five-year deal to take the side through the next two World Cups until 2027.

Jones will return for his second stint as Wallabies head coach, his first being from 2001 to 2005 which featured a World Cup final appearance in 2003.

He will have just eight months to prepare for the tournament in France when he takes over the role officially on January 28 and will oversee the 2023 World Cup campaign, a Lions series in 2025 and potentially another home World Cup in 2027 should he still be head coach.

Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan told Sydney Morning Herald's journalist Tom Decent that Jones' signature was a 'major coup' who will bring 'deep' knowledge of playing the game the Australian way back to the Wallabies.

Rugby Australia's official statement thanked Rennie for his service while expressing excitement to have Jones back in Australia.

As for Rennie, the 59-year-old Kiwi will finish with a 38 per cent win record in charge of the Wallabies with 13 wins, three draws and 18 losses.