Former Wallabies coach Rennie heading to Japan with Kobe

Former Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie, who was sacked and replaced by Eddie Jones in January, will take over at Japanese side Kobe Steelers next season, the club announced Friday.

New Zealander Rennie, who was shown the door by Australia after claiming only five wins from 14 Tests last year, will work as both head coach and director of rugby at Kobe.

Kobe finished ninth in this year's 12-team Japan Rugby League One first division table and have signed 100-cap All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick for next season.

READ | Renowned Kiwi coach takes mentoring role with All Blacks, Black Ferns

«2023-24????? #??????? ???????»https://t.co/D0QVBZzqa0??Dave Rennie(???·???)?????????????????????Wesley Clarke(?????·????)???????????Phil Healey(???·????)???????????????????? pic.twitter.com/3RBAtMXRXw

Rennie said in a statement released by the club that he had "always wanted to coach in Japan".

"Kobe is a great place to live and a great club whom I've had a strong relationship with since my time at the Chiefs, and I'm rapt to reconnect with them," he said.

"While they've had a tough year in 2023, we are aspirational and have good people who are prepared to work hard."

The 59-year-old Rennie took over as Australia head coach from Michael Cheika at the end of 2019.

He had previously coached in New Zealand and in Europe with Glasgow Warriors.