Australia lose assistant coach Brad Davis ahead of Rugby World Cup

Australia have been dealt a major blow ahead of their Rugby World Cup campaign with assistant coach Brad Davis resigning with immediate effect.

The news comes hours before the team headed to France for the showpiece event with the 55-year-old citing 'personal reasons' behind the resignation.

Davis was one of the recruit made by Eddie Jones when he took in charge earlier in the year and had previously worked with London Irish as an attack coach. The former rugby league star also had worked with Bath, Wasps and Ospreys previously as an assistant coach.

Jones said they have a replacement lined up already as they look to make a mark in the upcoming competition.

“I think there’s an opportunity for us and I think we’ll improve,” Jones said.

“There’s a potential candidate ready to step up so I think we’ll improve the coaching staff.”

Australia will have a warm-up game against France lined up on 27th August before they face Georgia in the World Cup opener on 9th September at Stade de France.