McKenzie resigns as Australia coach
Ewen McKenzie has stood down from his position as Australia head coach
©Press Association
Ewen McKenzie has resigned as Australia coach and would have stood down even if his side had held on to beat New Zealand in a thrilling clash in Brisbane.
New Zealand grabbed a last-gasp 29-28 victory and McKenzie announced in the post-match press conference that he was quitting as coach.
The Australian Rugby Union confirmed his resignation in a later statement.
McKenzie led Australia for 22 matches since taking over in August 2013 but his departure leaves the side without a coach as they prepare for their tour of Europe.
They play the Barbarians in two weeks before taking on Wales, France, Ireland and England.
ARU chief executive Bill Pulver hopes a successor will be named before the tour begins.
"We hope to have the new head coach in place before the team leaves for the spring tour on Friday," Pulver said on the ARU's official website.
"Criteria for the role includes identifying a coach who can lead us to victory in next year's Rugby World Cup, represents rugby's core values, has the support of the playing group and is available.
"As part of this process, we will also identify structural improvements to the off-field element of the Wallabies, with a senior leadership role to be created to support the team.
"We will work with the incoming coach on that structure, with a solution to be in place as soon as possible."
Pulver added that McKenzie had informed of his decision to resign before the New Zealand match.
"I did not ask Ewen to resign, but understand his decision. He informed me on Saturday morning of his intention to resign, regardless of the result," he said.
"Ewen is a world-class coach and a world-class individual who has been committed to playing entertaining rugby for our fans since he started in the role.
"During his tenure, he has overseen a seven-match winning streak, drew against the All Blacks and beat South Africa - all achievements that had not been met in the previous year.
"We sincerely wish Ewen well for the future, professionally and personally."
