Michael Cheika has quit as coach of the Wallabies following their exit from the World Cup with a heavy quarter-final defeat to England.
The 52-year-old has confirmed he won’t seek re-appointment as Australian coach when his contract expires on December 31, ending his five-year tenure in the post.
The news comes less than 24 hours after his team’s 40-16 last eight loss to England in Oita.
That result inevitably saw questions raised over Cheika’s future in the post-match press conference.
In response, he replied: “It’s a cruel, cruel world nowadays when you’re asked those questions two minutes after your World Cup is finished.
“If you’d find it inside you to have a little bit of compassion for people who are hurting, to just ask the more relevant questions.
“I know that’s what the papers demand, but perhaps whatever your news outlet is should think about people’s feelings for a minute. Just chill.”
But now Cheika has provided the answer to the question, resigning from the job.
His reign included a positive 2015 World Cup campaign where Australia reached the final, but there has been a gradual decline since then.
Prior to taking the Wallabies job in 2014, he had spells coaching Randwick, Leinster, Stade Francais and the Waratahs.
