Gold Coast Rugby reacts to new Wallabies coach

Helensvale Hogs captain Hayden McCaa worried that Australian rugby’s systemic issues across the country would be a barrier to Dave Rennie’s success.

Kiwi tactician Dave Rennie will steer the Wallabies through to the 2023 Rugby World Cup after signing a three-and-a-half year deal with Rugby Australia.

The two-time Super Rugby champion coach will begin work on a new era of Wallabies rugby once his contract with Scottish giants Glasgow expires in June.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 16: Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Dave Rennie looks on during the Heineken Champions Cup Round 1 match between Glasgow Warriors and Sale Sharks at Scotstoun Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Rennie is the second foreign-born Wallabies coach after Robbie Deans, a fact that has rankled some former players who expressed desires for an Australian born coach.

Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle revealed that no Australian coaches were even considered.

Gold Coast rugby identities have hailed the appointment of the in-demand coach as a practical necessity for future Wallabies success.

Gold Coast Eagles coach Jai Johnson said he was a fan of Rennie’s experience and noted that success has followed him wherever he goes.

“I can only hope that the players buy in (to him) and that the Rugby Australia board allows him to put the programs in place to further develop rugby in Australia,” Johnson said.

“Having Rennie as a coach is great but (the problem is) the grassroots, the funding model and the way rugby is structured.”

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 20: Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle speaks to the media during a Rugby Australia coaching announcement at the Rugby Australia Building on November 20, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)

Former Western Force prop Salesi Manu, who manages the RugbyTots Gold Coast program, played against Rennie-coached teams at Junior Wallabies and Super Rugby level.

“He’s not so much of a structural coach,” Manu said.

“Every time I’ve played against his teams they’ve been the team to free-flow, keep the game rolling and keep the ball in play.

“It’s always hard to defend against because with no structured play it was always unpredictable and that’s what goes well with Aussie rugby.

“When you look back to when Australian rugby was successful we were unpredictable and Aussie fans like that style.”

Helensvale Hogs captain Hayden McCaa worried that the Australian rugby’s systemic issues across the country would be a barrier to Rennie’s success.

“He’s a great coach but there are bigger issues here that he will have to contend with,” McCaa said.

“I do worry that Australia will drag him down – Look at Robbie Deans, a great New Zealand coach who had success at Crusaders, but it didn’t work over here.”

SNAPSHOT

Kim Bending, Gold Coast District Rugby Union President: “I loved the style of play the Chiefs used under his direction. He’s a major positive if he brings that to Wallabies.” Picture: Jerad Williams

Nerang Bulls' Pani Reti: He’s a champion. That’s something Aussie rugby have missed for a long time.” Picture: Supplied

Salesi Manu, RugbyTots. “By appointing a head coach now Rugby Australia can put the RWC behind them and start to move on” Picture: Jerad Williams

Helensvale Hogs captain Hayden McCaa: “He’s proven himself by winning Premierships at the Chiefs and coaching-wise he’ll bring it to Wallabies.” Picture: Jerad Williams

Gold Coast Eagles rugby head coach Jai Johnson: “The last Kiwi coach had issues dealing with the dressing room but if he comes in with a fresh bunch of players he should be fine.” Picture Glenn Hampson