Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has dominated out a World Cup teaching partnership with Eddie Jones, denied he’s signed a deal in Japan and delivered a message to dumped stars as he began 2023 with a bang.
Rennie linked up with a 44-player coaching squad on the Gold Coast amid rumblings concerning the teaching set-up of the nationwide group and disquiet over his personal future.
But as Jones, who has been linked to the Wallabies job after being axed as coach of England, declared “I’m not an assistant coach”, Rennie mentioned he wasn’t wanting so as to add him to his group anyway.
Speaking for the primary time since Jones was sacked, Rennie mentioned he hadn’t spoken to Rugby Australia officers about any strategy to Jones
“It won’t happen before (the World Cup),” Rennie mentioned.
“There’s a fair bit of speculation about a lot of things, but my focus is on this group and the World Cup.
“We’ve had no discussions around that. There’s no plan to make alterations to the coaching group at this stage.
“My assumption is we’re going to push on. What happens beyond 2023 is a different matter.”
Rennie has additionally been linked to a transfer to Japanese membership Kobe however mentioned no deal had been performed and he wouldn’t be distracted from taking the Wallabies to the World Cup in France in September.
“All I’ll say is I haven’t signed with Kobe,” mentioned Rennie, who is just contracted till the World Cup.
“My focus is totally here. We’ve spent a big chunk of December when we got back doing reviews and World Cup planning. What happens beyond 2023 will probably be a bit clearer in the next few months.”
After being requested about his hyperlinks with the Wallabies, Jones informed The Guardian: “I‘m not an assistant coach, mate. I’m not interested in that sort of job.”
Rennie ignored each James O’Connor and former rugby league star Suliasi Vunivalu from the 44 gamers assembling on the Gold Coast.
While O’Conner has been damage inclined of late, big-money RA signing Vunivalu performed solely the ultimate minutes of his sole Test earlier than falling out of favour.
Rennie mentioned their Wallabies futures had not been absolutely written but, however the message to each was clear.
“I had a good chat to Rabs (O’Connor) last week prior to us announcing the team,” Rennie mentioned.
“He’s come back from an (ankle) injury. He’s back training fully now and he’s actually in good nick.
“He’s running a little bit quicker than we’ve seen over the last couple of years and looks sharper. His focus is playing good Super Rugby and putting a bit of pressure on us to select him for the camp in April.
“Suli has got really clear messages – we need to see him run fast.
“We need to see a repeat of speed efforts; we know his ability aerially is excellent. He needs to put in good performances at Super level.”
