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Michael Cheika quits as Wallabies coach after World Cup defeat

Michael Cheika has quit as Australian head coach following their Rugby World Cup quarter-final ex...



Michael Cheika has quit as Australian head coach following their Rugby World Cup quarter-final exit.

The Wallabies were beaten 40-16 by England in Japan which marked his 68th test while in charge.

He has won 34 of these tests in his five year period in charge.

Upon announcing that he would not seek a new contract he has given an insight into his fractured dealings with senior Australian rugby administrators,  saying he has “no relationship” with chief executive Raelene Castle or chairman Cameron Clyne.

Before the World Cup, Cheika was on record saying that he would walk away if the Wallabies did not lift the Webb Ellis Cup.

“Obviously I got asked the question in the press conference about what is going to happen going forward and at the time I wasn’t keen to answer but I always knew the answer in my head," Cheika said.

"I wanted to speak to my wife and tell a few people I care about because I put my chips in earlier on in the year and I told people no win, no play.

"I knew at the final whistle but I wanted to give it that little bit of time to settle down and talk to my people.

“I made the call. I’m a calculated gambler in that regard.

"I have no regrets about making the call. I’m attached to the team and it’s been an honour to do this role to coach of Australia.

"It’s not given to a lot of people and I have taken it with a lot of pride and honour. I made my call and I wanted to show I was prepared to put myself on the line to achieve what I believe the team could do.

“I can honestly say I’m always looking to be better but I am really proud of what I have been able to do over the last four years with the team under some very challenging circumstances on and off the field.

"In five years of being in charge I have loved it ... so [there is] no emotional toll. I’m no drama queen. I love the ups and downs and that’s the way she rolls."

Rugby Australia conducted a review late last year following an international season which saw the Wallabies win just four of 13 matches – their worst calendar year on record.

Cheika survived the review but attack coach Stephen Larkham was sent packing.

RA appointed Scott Johnson as a director of rugby but despite toeing the party line all year, Cheika has said that the power shift was tough.

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Australia Michael Cheika Rugby World Cup