Wallabies' Dave Rennie speaks out for the first time since being sacked

Outgoing Wallabies coach Dave Rennie finally broke silence after being dramatically sacked by Rugby Australia (RA) earlier this week.

Rennie has been replaced by veteran coach Eddie Jones who England axed at the end of last year. The decision comes as a surprise to the now ex-Wallabies head coach, who earlier this month claimed Jones had not been approached.

Nevertheless, Rennie's record as the head coach left a lot to be desired, with a poor win rate of only 38%. While the coach had to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic and a massive injury crisis, the RA claimed they could not miss the chance to sign Jones.

The former England coach has signed with the Wallabies until the 2027 World Cup.

Rennie issued a statement on Wednesday thanking people for their support whilst also commending the players and staff.

"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.

"I'd like to particularly thank those in the Australian Rugby community for their support of the team over the past three years and for all the words of encouragement when we have crossed paths in schools, on the training field or in airports around the country."

Rennie admits he is disappointed for not being able to take the Wallabies to the World Cup later this year and insists he leaves his role having still had the support of the players.

"I'm disappointed I won't be able to see out my contract in the way I agreed to back in 2019 but leave knowing I had the full support of the playing group and the staff.

"I certainly felt we have made massive shifts over the past three years both on and off the field, which is off the back of a hell of a lot of hard work put in by good people.

"I wish Eddie, the staff and the team all the best in what's a massive year, with the Rugby World Cup less than nine months away."