EWEN McKenzie resigned as Wallabies coach on Saturday, telling Australian Rugby Union boss Bill Pulver he believed he could not maintain the respect of the playing group and support staff.
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After a fortnight of intense scrutiny over his management of the team and relationship with former business manager Di Patston, McKenzie sent a resignation letter to Pulver via email on Saturday morning, before the Wallabies fell 29-28 to the All Blacks after the full-time siren in Brisbane.
The ARU is now looking at appointing a replacement, who will take the side on a five-week tour of Europe, leaving on Friday. Former Brumbies coach Jake White and New South Wales coach Michael Cheika are the likely candidates.
McKenzie said he told the players in the dressing room after the match, but did not go into details about the reasons for his decision and did not take questions.
‘‘I’ve been a very proud contributor to Australian rugby but I feel at this point in time – there’s a bunch of reasons I’ve put in writing to Bill – I had a discussion with him this morning, my intention was, win, lose or draw, that I was going to announce that resignation tonight,’’ he said.
‘‘I’ve only just told the team ... it’s been a disappointing time for many reasons, I’m not going to go into the detail.’’