Ewen McKenzie is not going anywhere – Rugby News update
Despite Ewen McKenzie denying contact with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU), rumours are still rife that the head of Queensland Reds, is in line for a job with the Wallabies.
'I have always tried to leave whatever I am doing better than when I got it - at the moment, the Reds are better than how I received it and I intend to make sure that when I leave, they will be much better,” said McKenzie in response to the constant questioning regarding the change of role.
McKenzie is going to become the Director of coaching at the Reds, and the recent announcement of former player Richard Graham moving there too, has pushed the rumour-mill into over-drive.
When asked about the job and the change of role at Queensland, Mckenzie said, ''If I was looking for another job, it would be one that interests me, suits my skill set and gives me the best chance to make a difference. I have enjoyed it here and I have signed on here for another couple of years.”
What complicates the situation even further is that John O’Neil, Australian Rugby Union's CEO, has not quashed the rumours, saying that he sees Mckenzie as an obvious replacement for Robbie Deans, whose tenure with the Wallabies is up for review after the British and Irish Lions' Tour in 2013.
The appointment of Richard Graham is made with the intention of him replacing McKenzie, who handpicked the former player. He sees Graham as the perfect person to take Queensland to the next level, and continue their good form, as they won the Super Rugby title in 2011, under the guidance of McKenzie.
Ewen McKenzie was appointed the coach of Queensland Reds in October 2009, and in his second full season he led the team to victory, playing a different style. The Reds had previously struggled with their coaches, languishing at the bottom but the appointment of McKenzie changed that.
His credentials make him an ideal candidate for the Australian job but he probably has unfinished business at Queensland.
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