Cheika quits Wallaby post

Michael Cheika has stepped down as Australia coach after seeing his side knocked out of the Rugby World Cup on Saturday. The 52-year-old took charge in 2014, guiding the Wallabies to the final of the global showpiece the following year, but his reign has been plagued by inconsistency. Cheika said he would walk away if his team failed to win their country’s third Webb Ellis Cup but was coy when questioned on his future immediately after Saturday’s 40-16 quarter-final defeat to England. However, having given himself a day to think, he confirmed on Sunday that he was ready to walk away. A position at French club Montpellier is expected to be his next assignment, while Rugby Australia director of rugby Scott Johnson is already sounding out potential candidates. New Zealander Dave Rennie is thought to be the favourite having succeeded in Super Rugby with the Chiefs and in the Pro14 with Glasgow. Rennie recently signed a new deal with the Warriors, meaning it could be tough for the ARU to appoint him.