Michael Cheika has confirmed he won't seek re-appointment as Wallabies coach following their failure at the Rugby World Cup.
A day after his team were outclassed 40-16 by England in their quarter-final in Oita, Cheika confirmed he will stand down, ending five years in the role.
Cheika said it was "cruel" that a journalist should ask him about his intentions in the immediate wake of the heavy defeat on Saturday but the following afternoon he conceded the time was right for change.
The 52-year-old had always said he would stand down if the Wallabies didn't win the tournament.
He has been linked with a coaching role at French club Montpellier.
Rugby Australia director of rugby Scott Johnson has already been scoping possible candidates for 2020.
New Zealander Dave Rennie has emerged as a clear favourite because of his success with the Chiefs in Super Rugby and further experience with Scottish club Glasgow Warriors.
Rennie, who also has close ties with Johnson, has previously quashed any link with the Wallabies role, pointing out he had signed an extension with Glasgow that takes him through to the middle of next year.
That hasn't stopped the 55-year-old's name being continually linked with Australia.
Cheika took over as Wallabies coach in 2014 and took the team to a Rugby Championship title.
He also oversaw a successful 2015 World Cup campaign, in which Australia reached the final.
But a 3-0 series loss to England in 2016 followed, beginning four years of struggles that frustrated fans and saw Cheika’s ability to lead the team questioned.
