Scott Johnson appointed director of rugby in Wallabies overhaul

Rugby Australia has appointed Scott Johnson as its new director of rugby and he will oversee under-fire Wallabies coach Michael Cheika going into next year’s 2019 World Cup.

Scott Johnson has been appointed director of coaching by Rugby Australia.

Rugby Australia has appointed Scott Johnson as its new director of rugby and he will oversee under-fire Wallabies coach Michael Cheika going into next year’s 2019 World Cup.

As revealed by The Daily Telegraph last week Cheika will report to Johnson, who has returned home after a decade working in the USA and Europe, most recently as Scotland’s director of coaching.

He will be part of a three-person Wallabies selection panel with Cheika and another person to be appointed early next year.

RA chairman Cameron Clyne and CEO Raelene Castle made the announcements to the high-performance structure at a press conference in Sydney on Monday after the Wallabies won just four of 13 Tests in 2018.

“I am excited to be returning to Rugby Australia in the Director of Rugby role and I am looking forward to supporting Michael and the Wallabies in their build up to the World Cup,” said Johnson.

“I am also looking forward to working with the Super Rugby teams to build an aligned model that will enable sustained success for Super Rugby teams, the Wallabies and ensure we maximise the opportunities for Australian Rugby,” he said.

Cheika added: “It’s a great move for Australian Rugby and I know it will prove to be the best long-term structure for the game in this country.

“I’m looking forward to working with Scott and finishing the work that I started by making Australians proud of our performance.”

Originally published as Scott Johnson appointed director of rugby in Wallabies overhaul