Oita (Japan) (AFP)
Australia coach Michael Cheika announced his resignation on Sunday after the overwhelming defeat of the Wallabies against England (40-16) in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup, the Australian Federation announced. .
"I knew it (that I was going to leave) at the final whistle, but I just wanted to wait a bit, the time that things calm down a bit and talk to my family, before clarifying things," he said. explained Cheika in a video broadcast by the Australian Federation.
Cheika, 52, was the Wallabies coach for five years. His contract with Rugby Australia was expected to expire at the end of the year.
Maintained in late 2018 despite a catastrophic year for the Australian team, he had announced in the past that he would leave if the Australian team failed to win the World Cup.
"I said, + if you do not win you go + and I'm the kind of man who does what he says," said Cheika Sunday.
- Dave Rennie for the rest? -
The Australian coach then added that he "loved being able to stay" at his post but did not want to go back on his word. "I am attached to the team and it has been an honor to serve as Australia's coach," he said.
New Zealander Dave Rennie, coach of the Glasgow Warriors, is one of the main names cited for his replacement.
Sunday, before the announcement of his departure, the Australian press had not been tender with Cheika, claiming his head and drawing a sad record of his action at the head of the Wallabies.
"The stubbornness of Michael Cheika, combined with indecision and lack of confidence in his players, has seen the Wallabies reduced to a bunch of agitators," the Sydney Daily Telegraph, for whom the defeat of Saturday apparent to "flogging".
An opinion shared by The Australian, who felt that Australian rugby was "back in the darkness", because of "confused plans and wobbly execution" set up by Cheika.
"Honestly, we can always do better, but I can say that I am really proud of what I have been doing for four years with the Australian team in conditions that are not always easy both on and off the field." replied Cheika Sunday.
In a statement, Australian Federation President Raelene Castle thanked Cheika for "her action and dedication".
"Michael is an experienced coach and passionate fan who has worked tirelessly to get the best out of his players," she said, adding that an assessment was currently underway to evaluate the Wallabies' 2019 season and " prepare for the future ".
The Wallabies had reached the final of the 2015 World Cup with Cheika, appointed a year earlier to replace Ewen McKenzie, who resigned. But the Australian selection has since chained disappointments and seems on the decline.
© 2019 AFP