Waratahs to axe rugby coach McKenzie

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

SYDNEY (AFP) — New South Wales Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie's contract will not be renewed beyond this year's Super 14 season, the state's rugby chiefs announced Tuesday.

McKenzie's five years at the helm will end in July even if the Waratahs win their first title in the southern hemisphere provincial competition, New South Wales Rugby Union chief executive Jim L'Estrange said.

Assistant coach Todd Louden, who helped guide the South Africa-based Bulls to the championship last year, is tipped to take McKenzie's job, although the Auckland Blues' coach David Nucifora is also reportedly in the running.

McKenzie, a former World Cup-winning prop, has been under pressure since the Waratahs finished 13th last year.

This year the Waratahs have won four of...